Boxing Club.

Some years ago, when O.U. seemed the inevitable home of the Tournament Boxing Shield, the V.U.C. Boxing Club was struggling through a very lean period. Its membership was roughly estimated at a round dozen; the grant from the Students' Association was, in these circumstances, necessarily low, and trouble was experienced to find the wherewithal to pay for instruction in the Noble Art. It was indeed fitting that at such an unfortunate time the Club should have at its helm one of the strength and contagious enthusiasm of our new Vice-President, Mr. G. J. Sceats. Largely through his efforts the Club emerged from its period of trial with flying colours, to assume its present position of eminence, the holders of the Tournament Boxing Shield.

In some recognition of his services, Mr. Sceats has been constituted the first life-member of the V.U.C. Boxing Club, and we wish him every success in his new home in Auckland.

V.U.C. Boxing Club Blues for 1929 were awarded to J. K. Logan, D. G. Edwards, M. E. Mahoney, F. C. Moore and L. E. Sowry.

We are all very pleased with the year's Tournament Team. It is probably the strongest combination that has ever represented V.U.C., and it acquitted itself well. Every single member was well up to the standard—we had five finalists out of seven weights, and our other two members were eliminated only after what were perhaps the hardest bouts of the morning. It is opportune to remark that our Instructor was of invaluable assistance. We congratulate the team on its good victory.

This year sees the selectors faced with gaps in many of the weights, and the lessons provided in the second term should be utilised by all those aiming at Boxing Blues. To succeed in boxing one must be fit, have boxing knowledge, and actual glove and ring experience. The latter two are provided for during the year, while the matter of physical fitness is attended to by the Instructor immediately before the tournament. So we exhort all would-be boxers to come along to the lessons. If you don't wish to spar, you will not be asked to do so. You will be shown how to protect yourself without actually having to do so; but we feel confident that once the gloves are donned, you will fall victim to the spell of the Noble Art and will joyously stand up to any knocks that may come your way.