MAT-CRAFT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 85, 1 July 1927, Page 10

MAT-CRAFT

| N.Z. WRESTLING FANS WANT ONLY WORLDBEATERS IN CONTESTS. SO SAYS N.Z. COUNCIL The big wrestling match between Ike Robin and Zbyszko, which took place at Auckland some months ago, has really spoilt the matcraft fans of the Queen City, says prominent Auckland authority. Now they appear to want nothing but the best and, unless the New Zealand Association can arrange to stage a contest between a couple of world-beaters these so-called fans show more of a weakness for the fireside at home than a tussle among locals at the Town Hall. Do they realise the detrimental effect which their lack of interest is inflicting upon their own sport? asks the New Zealand Council. And have they the desire for this virile pastime to gain the favour in New Zealand it does in other countries? In 1922, says this authority, “fake” matches were taking place one after the other in the districts north Auckland and owing to this, wrestling' as a sport was losing much of its hard-earned prestige among enthusiasts. Then the situation was saved and a wise step was taken when the New Zealand Wrestling Association was formed which encouraged amateurs, controlled professionals, prevented fake matches and served the public with bona fide contests. The association will not stage any aranged match, and that, together with the lack of keen supporters, is the reason why contests are not more numerous at the present. However, the controlling body claims that it is not asleep and is at the present time awaiting the coming of overseas wrestlers. Among these it has in view such well-known men as Mike Yokel. AI Karasick and Ted Thye. Wrestling associations and clubs are being formed all over New Zealand, and Te Awamutu, Raetihi, Taihape. Napier and Turakina are all go-ahead clubs and could produce men suitable to stage interesting contests. Ike Robin is in training and it would be quite possible on account of his size to match him with two men in one evening. Ern Anderson (heavy-weight champion), Dufty, Bayne and Naughton are all prepared to wrestle in contest and help the association along. But that the public would “roll up” is considered doubtful, for they want the overseas champions, according to this authority. And that is the .view of the position taken in official circles. Now, then, wrestling fans, what about it? Is this a true bill?