A BACKYARD ARENA,

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 14, 7 May 1914, Page 5

A BACKYARD ARENA,

A party of pressmen and others interested in boxing, who assembled to welcome a team of American pugilists in Sydney recently, were somewhat surprised when the chairman called upon a certain gentleman who, he mentioned, was a member of the Peace Society, to join in welcoming the (jjueats. They were more surprised when the "peaceful" member told them in his first sentence that he was opposed to the art that they were met together to support, and in the next went on to dispel what lie called public, misconceptions of boxing. By the time ho got to the end of his speech the party reckoned he was converted to warlike pursuits, if boxing may be called such, for this is how he finished: "I have three 'nippers' at home, who don the gloves and fight. I like that kind of sport. I am impressed with the fact that I am here this evening to welcome some great boxers. The sporting element of this country is not understood by the majority of the people. It should bo better understood. The majority think it is a fighting element, but we know full well it is not. It i 3 a sporting element that controls our boxing arenas, and develops muscle and mind. Every Sunday my back yard is a boxing arena, and I. like that kind of sport."