REPLY TO CRITICISM

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 460, 18 June 1937, Page 5

REPLY TO CRITICISM

. ENCOURAGING SPORT . Boxing And Wrestling Association In reply to the charge Ithat the Stratford Boxing and Wrestling Association did not foster the sports as i;t should do, which was made by Mr T. Kirkwood at tbe meeting of 'the: Waipuku Wrestling Club on Wednesday night, Mr G. A. Carter, secretary ito the SLna'tford Association, states that the Stratford association had asked the New Zealand Wrestling Union if it was prepared Ibo provide a purse for ia. bout between Fryday and Brinson. The arrangement of such a bout as a preliminary to a professional contest was not a mutter concerning the iStratford association. At a profesional wrestling contest the house belonged, to the wrestlers engaged by the New Zealand Wrestling Union, the Stratford association receiving only a percentage after expenses had been paid. Often the amount was so small that it would not provide any purse for a preliminary contest. “The association is here to provide wrestling for the public,” continued Mr Carter, “and it is noL prepared to put on bouts unless they are considered likely to provide a good match. If it was more harm than good might be caused.” Concerning the refusal of permission. to the Waipuku club do hold its own programme in the Stratford Town Hi 11, Mr Carter said W\..ipuaU had already had permission for one night at the Stratford Town Hall, when boxing, wrestling and weightlifting took place. R-l her than allow outside bodies to put on their own programmes—for which the Stratford association was responsible to the police—the association was of the opinion that from any profits it made grants should be given to the gymnasium in its districlt. V-.i ipuku was not che only one of those, and if it were allowed the Town Hall for more than one night all (the clubs could with justice ask for similar treatment “As far as the association’s interest in boxing is concerned, negotiations are alm dy proceeding for the matching of Loveridge and- a suitable opponent,” concluded Mr Carter. “Smith was available on June 12 but that date wir.s unsu-Table. An offer has been received from Ralph Aitken to fight Loveridge on June 26 and was (communicated yesterday to | Loveridge, who so far has not indicated his acceptance or otherwise,”