BOXING

Hokitika Guardian, 30 December 1930, Page 5

BOXING

HAINES OUT OF DANGER

(Australian Press Association)

SYDNEY, Dec. 30. The boxer Haines is now considered to be out of danger.

EXODUS TO NEW ZEALAND

AUSTRALIAN BOXERS

SYDNEY, Dec. 18

The possibility of a slump in Australian boxing by reason of the fact that all the leading of the fistic art are being attracted to New Zealand is causing concern among those who manage the sport on this side of the Tasman. If possible a hrgke will be put on the operations ol the representatives of various Non Zealand Associations who. it is said, have Iliad a free run in the past-. It Vi complained that Australia, has been doing all the giving and has received nothing in return. The manager of Sydney Stadiums, Ltd. (Mr Griffiths) said yesterday that he fully realised that the time had arrived to curb the New Zealand agents in some way. “Tn the- past,” he Said, “we have permitted agents to enter the Stadium, have the run of the dressing-rooms to interview box. ei»s, and we have treated them splendidly. Our fighters have been engaged and sent away at a time-we did not wish to lose them—often when they were at their prime. The publicity which the Stadium receivfyi in New Zealand is of no use to us. The Stadium certainly receives publicity, but all of it in New Zealand. To my way of thinking this is the wrong way to go about things. I am prepared to assist New Zealand Associations, bait I think I should have some say as far as the boxers under our banner are concerned, as to the nature of the contracts. Afore than that, T think that commissions should be paid on all engagements into the coffers of mv company.” Afr P. McHugh, manager of the Leichhardt Stadium, agreed that it was time the Australian authorities took a decided stand and prevented the poaching of the New Zealand, Associations. “I have my plans for matches.” he .said, “and I am not going to have them upset by anyone. I won’t have anyone butting in end spoiling my matches by sending away the best fighters. Even now I uni working to prevent a certain move which has for its object the departure for New Zealand of one of my star men.” , Of course it will he unposs.ble loi promoters here to prevent the agents from interviewing boxers and then managers, but it is probable that the contracts will be so worded as to pre vent the men from securing local fitrhts without a guarantee, that tmy will not leave for New Zealand without permission.