Sacked !

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 933, 28 March 1930, Page 7

Sacked !

SYDNEY WRESTLING PROMOTER DISMISSED BY LEICHHARDT STADIUM HEADS AFTER MAKING BIG SUCCESS OF CONTESTS

NEW MAN GETS JOB A iirst-class rumpus has broken out between the directors of Leichhardt Stadium and wrestling promoter Harry Drake (says Sydney •‘Guardian”). The latter has been peremptorily dismissed, and. despite his requests, no reason for this drastic action has been given. About two months ago. Drake put up a wrestling proposition to the management. “Here is a chance,” he said, “for you to earn extra money c*n one of your vacant nights.” His proposal was to supply a team of wrestlers on a 50-50 basis with the management. Drake was not to draw any salary from Leichhardt, but wa-* satisfied to receive his percentage from the wrestlers. The proposal was accepted, and Monday nights were set apart for the weekly contests. The degree of public support is shown by the fact that the average net takings per night for the first eight weeks were £140; and the last Monday night they were £155. This represented an added £7O a week to the management's revenue, without even the investment of any extra cash. But the directors, for some reason best known to themselves, suddenly dispensed with the services of Drake in favour of Walter Withrow’. Drake appealed to the sportsmanship of the directors, who agreed to review the position. Mr. Witlirowr was invited to attend the meeting, which .he addressed at some length, and he left with the appointment of promoter. Individually certain of the directors assured Mr. Drake of their complete satisfaction with him. What then is their reason for applying the Boston Crab to him? It cannot be on account of the average quality of his team of wrestlers, if you consider the two competitors under Mr. Withrow’s wing next Monday night. Veteran Peter Limutkin. the Russian giant, is one of them. Years and yearago, little Walter Miller nearly caused an earthquake in the Melbourn Stadium by throwing his huge body twice out of the ring, over the ropes. Nothing other than the fact that recently arrived from Canada, is known of Limutkin’s opponent. Savelieff. Interviewed. Mr. Pat McHugh, manager, stated he would prefer not to make any comment.