BOXING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 38, 4 July 1914, Page 4

BOXING.

INSTRUCTION IN 'SCHOOL'S.

Sydney, Juno 20. Instruction in boxing is to be introduced as a recognised portion of tne curriculum of the State schools. This is principally due to the enthusiastic efforts of Mr. R. L. Baker, who is chief ,in control of public boxing matches in Australia. Although in the forefront of those who deal with boxing professionally, and one who does very well as a .promoter of contests, Mr. Baker is a great believer in boxing as a splendid thing in.itself for the development of .desirable manly qualities. For this idea of having boxing taught to the State school boys he found influential sympathy with Sir Alexander Peacock, the new Premier of Victoria, and Mr, John Murray, Chief Sccetary of the State. These two Ministers have conferred with Mr, Baker, and as the outcome it has been decided to make a start by selecting 20 hoys from the Melbourne High School and training them in the art of self-defence. These boys will, when they know enough themselves, be set to work as instructors of other and younger boys. Among those who heartily appla id this interesting innovation is the Rev. Canon Hughes, of Melbourne. Recently this gentleman appeared opportunely tn the scene of a tierce assault by two young men upon a church verger and with the skill of a trained boxer dealt with both of the men who were still dazed from his attentions when policemen came along and took them into custody. However, other clergymen arc amongst those who deplore the intrjduction of boxing into State schools is something subversive of Christian principles, and even go to the length of saying that it is playing into the hands of men who are looking towards their own profit as 'fight promoters through an increase in the ranks of recruits to professional boxing.