PAEROA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4543, 23 March 1923, Page 2

PAEROA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION.

(To the -Editor.) Sir,—Some few months ago the above association was formed and a gymnasium started in Paeroa. Money was subscribed by business men in the town, and quite a tidy sium was collected. About thirty members quickly joined the association, and fees were fixed at juniors 7s 6d and seniors £1 for the year. Some of the money subscribed was utilised to fit out. the gymnasium with necessary gear. Messrs H. A. Marks and A. Bridges offered their services as boxing instructors, as also did Mr Brpyd for wrestling and Mr Hieatt as a physical culture instructor. II understand that Mr Penlington offered to give instruction in running during ths summer months. In the gym. boxing was the only art that was taught (not properly, either). A'nyhow, I did not receive njuch instruction, whilst other branches of the usual gymnasium work were overlooked. About Christmas time the gymnasium was closed down, and nothing further has been done. Paeroa is supposed to be a “sporting” town, but I don’t think it is. Of course, there is football, cricket, tennis, bowling, and horseracing, but' never an athletic sports gathering. I think Paeroa should wake up, and hold a sports meeting at least once a year. No doubt there are quite a number of athletes in the town who would be only too glad to avail themselves of an opportunity ot train under proper conditions.. Kerepeehi, Turua. Hikutaia, and other small places can Hold sports meetings, why cannot Paeroa do the same ? I am getting away from the point, however. What I should like to know is, when is the gymnasium going to be reopened? and what has become of the money subscribed ? Waihi has a “live” boxing association, and they intend holding tournaments during the winter. Why should not Paeroa get busy in the gymnasium and have members properly trained .in the fistic art (those who are keen to learn) to enable them to take part ni the competitions. I trust some abler pen than mine will take the matter up and enlighten me on '-he points mentioned. A MEMBER.