The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1909. BOXING IN GISBORNE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2512, 27 May 1909, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1909. BOXING IN GISBORNE.

Those citizens who wended their way to the premises in Peel Street formerly occupied by the “Times” Company on Tuesday night for the innocent purpose of witnessing “some sport,” will probably, ere this, have come to the conclusion that there is such a thing as too much law in a country. As related in yesterday’s issue a boxing exhibition was being given by some, young athletes. No charge for admission was made, but during the course of the evening sundry coins were thrown upon a towel which lay in the centre of the ring, whereupon the police, interfered. Even now, judging from the levity with which some of those whose names were taken' by the police still regard the matter, it may not be out of place to mention that they aro individually liable to a fine of £2O for having been present at the boxing exhibition referred to. Most of those Concerned in the affair aro highly indignant that the police should have interfered at all, but it would, be. difficult to describe their feelings should a monetary penalty be imposed as the outcome of disagreeable Court proceedings. However, it will probably bo deemed sufficient for .all practical purposes if the majesty of the law is vindicated by the mere recording of a conviction, and in tho meantime it may he as well to clear the air by examining the merits of the case. Boxing is a clean, manly and healthy sport, worthy of the utmost encouragement, but it is one in which the utmost care must be taken by those in control, otherwise it .quickly degenerates into the degrading and brutal game of prize fighting. It was to prevent the abuse of a perfectly legitimate pastime that the legislature passed regulations giving such a constituted authority as tho Now Zealand Boxing Association power to veto all boxing -entertainments not held under its auspices. This authority is not exercised by positive but by negative action, for any boxing contest, is illegal unless it has first received a polico permit, and this permit can only bo issued on the application of the Boxing Association or ono of its affiliated clubs. To disabuse the minds of any of Tuesday night’s participants as to whether or not the entertainment referred to is covered by the law, it itfay be mentioned that “boxing contests” according to the Act means “any boxing competition or exhibition for admission to which a charge is made or at which a collection is taken up, or

at which those present are invited or permitted to throw money into tho ring.” It has been suggested that the local polico have been unduly officious in tho present instance and are striving to crush a manly pastime in its infancy, but we prefer to Believe that they are merely desirous that it email be conducted in a legal manner and controlled in such a way that it will inspire the confidence and support of the local community. Tho New Zealand Boxing Association consists of a body of men who are enthusiastic concerning the sport of boxing, but who are likewise cognisant of its weak features and tho best means of combatting them. The authority that has been given that body by Parliament has certainly not been misplaced, for the conduct of the sport since the passing of the 1907 Act has been unexceptionable. AVo should ho sorry to see the movement just initiated in Gisborne dropped Because, of tho temporary discomfiture of the promoters, who, wo feel sure, have /imply labored under a misapprehension. Their proper course is to form a club, apply for recognition by the Boxing Assoeiation, and then conduct tho pastime according to the rules laid down and in compliance with the law of the land. They will then he able to charge for admission to their gatherings without any fear of tho takings being appropriated by tho casual policeman, and their patrons will be able to attend without any misgivings as to subsequent happenings in the Police Court. Judging from Tuesday night s showing there need be no uncertainty as to the public support that will he forthcoming for a properly managed boxing (n tertainment.