The Boxer Club of New South Wales

THE HISTORY OF THE BOXER CLUB OF AUSTRALIA
THE FIRST 10 YEARS

1949 was a very important year for Boxers in Australia. On the 13th December at the Gordon (Sydney) home of Mr. & Mrs. Gerardy (Park Royal Kennels) the first Boxer Club was formed under the banner of ‘The Boxer Club of Australia”. The following people were present: Gerardys, Arthurs, Heaths, Spilsteads, Smalls, Gleesons, Thompson, Spiers and Swales. Bill Spilstead, well known by many of us, was in the chair. The constitution was adopted and office bearers elected. These were: Mrs. Gerardy (President), Miss Thompson and Mr. Symonds (Vice Presidents), Mr. Arthur (Secretary), and Mr. Heath (Treasurer). The head office of the Union Bank was chosen as the bankers. A point score competition was discussed and introduced using the Great Dane Club’s scoring system. The point score, besides providing a trophy for a winner and runner-up, also awarded a trophy for the most successful second prizewinner! The point score idea hasn’t changed a great deal since this time and continues to this day.

As with most dog clubs, the Boxer Club of Australia’s major interest was in the running of shows. At an early meeting, the Club resolved to donate trophies for Sydney Royal Best of Breed, Best Puppy and Best Limit. At the 1951 Sydney Royal, Boxers had the second largest trophy list after Irish Setters for an entry of 32! Sydney Royal was, and still is, an important show on the Australian Calendar. It may, therefore, be of interest to take a look at this show in the early years of Boxers.

Boxers were first exhibited at the Sydney Royal in 1949. The Judge was well known British dog man, Mr. Leo Wilson. There were 6 imported dogs shown. In 1950, under Mr. Percy Roberts of the USA, 20 dogs were exhibited and the first Australian prefix appeared, this was “PARK ROYAL” owned by Mrs. Rena Gerardy, Mr. Mansell of Mosman also exhibited, his “CHELTENHAM” prefix was to become quite influential.

Other exhibitors included Miss Thompson, Mrs. Gunn and Mr. & Mrs. Dove of Campsie. In 1953, more local prefixes graced the R.A.S. showings, including ‘WYREEMA”, ‘REXLEIGH’, and the very influential ‘TARAKANI’ owned by Mrs. M. Jones. The Club’s long time Treasurer, Mrs. Aussel showed for the first time. In the early 50’s Mr. & Mrs. H. Spira began a renowned era in canine affairs showing a “Cheltenham” bitch. Dr. Spira Bv Sc HAD had become a member of the Club in August 1950. He was later to become a long time Patron of the Club. In 1956 Mr. Wilton-Crowe, the importer of a number of English dogs, exhibited for the first time. The entry at Sydney gradually increased. By 1958, Mr. Roberts (USA) in a repeat judging performance had 74 dogs to judge. In this year, Mr. D. Taylor, who became a life member, and well-known all-breed Judge, Mr. D. Glackin (CRUCIN) first exhibited.

Other exhibitors who were to come to prominence in the late 50’s and early 60’s included Mr. & Mrs. R. Townshend (LORAC), Mr. & Mrs. T. Dobson (WAWNHILL), Mr. F. Wearn (FRANZLAINE), Mr. & Mrs. L. Williamson, Mrs. N. Evans (INNSBRUCK) Mr. P. Foster (BOXHAVEN) in 1963. Apologies to any missed.

The first show the Boxer Club of Australia was involved with was a joint effort when they combined with the 3 Breed Committee (Formed by the Collie, Great Dane and German Shepherd enthusiasts). This show was held on the 3rd June, 1950. Another show was held in August the same year with Mr. Spilstead as Show Manager. The venue was at Rockdale and the judge (who kindly declined a fee) was Mr. Witton. The raffle successfully raised eight pounds! Two Championship shows were approved by the RASKC for 1951. These were on the 19th May and the 6th October, with the judges being Mr. Spilstead and Mr. Witton. A Parade was introduced in 1953. Judges at Club shows in the early 50’s included Mrs. Fitzgibbon, Mr. Hill and Mrs. Gerardy, interestingly a number of these judges had numerous appointments during this time. In 1956 Mr. L. DeGroen judged a Club Championship show which provides another link to the present.

These judges had the opportunity to judge many of the early imports. These dogs were predominantly from England, with the occasional American influence. UK Kennels who sent stock “Down Under” included Tirkane, Panfield, Cuckmere, Stainburndorf, Gremlin and Wardrobes. Dogs of note to hit NSW included the well known Eng.Ch. Panfield Tango, Panfield Flash and the American Fireball of Emetar imported by Mrs. Gerardy. Ch. Stainburndorf Rusty Pierre was imported by Mrs. J. Rees of the “CASA VERDI” prefix. Mr. Wilton-Crowe imported 2 Wardrobes dogs, Ranch Mink and Red Ribbons. Mr. D. Glackin imported Ardenoak Stirrup of Arnogar followed by the legendary Ch. Wardrobes Morning Canter who sired so many winners in the late 60’s.

Obviously as the 60’s progressed; many other UK kennels sent dogs out. These included Marbelton, Cherryburton and Seefeld.

A major concern of the young Club was fundraising. The Club began with a little over one pound, and fund-raising raffles were organized at the second Club meeting. The first few raffles were a cake, a bottle of Scotch and 50 cigarettes. By the October 1950 meeting, the Club had a balance of 27 pound and 11 shillings. At regular intervals the Club had to seek new venues for meetings. In the first 10 years the Club moved from Mrs. Gerardy’s home, to Lovejoys Lending Library, to the Sydney Bridge Club, to the Railway Institute and the Glebe Town Hall.

Over the first 10 years members dealt with a number of ideas and issues which are still discussed to-day. At the November 1950 meeting an idea was suggested re the establishment of a record book of Pedigree Boxer Dogs owned and Bred in Australia. It’s a pity this record (if it began) has not been passed on over the years. The idea of an Annual Ball was put forward in 1954. A sub-committee was formed. Lack of support meant that it nearly didn’t run, but due to the untiring efforts of Mrs. Gerardy and Mrs. Mansell it was a resounding success with 107 people attending.

Throughout the first decade there was much discussion over the Club’s name. Although when the Club was formed there was no other Boxer Club in Australia, there were areas of dissent. As early as March 1950, the Victorian KC requested the RASKC to eliminate the word “Australia” from the Club’s name. The Secretary of the Boxer Club was empowered to write a letter of defence against this action. In April of the same year, a letter was received from the RASKC recommending that “NSW” be inserted in brackets under the word “Australia”.

The orginal name remained however until 1960. In that year, the pressure from controlling State bodies and individual members saw a move to alter the Club’s name. In June 1960 Mr. Breety moved a motion that the word “Australia” be deleted and replaced with “NSW”. The motion was defeated by 13 votes to 9. However, In November 1960, Mr. R. Aussell again moved the motion, which was carried unanimously. So was born the BOXER CLUB OF NSW.

Mark Johnston
President
Boxer Club of New South Wales.