Wally Jonasen

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Life Member

...Recognising Outstanding Service < unclear >mmunity</ unclear >

The Gisborne Boxing Association has presented Mr Wally Jonasen with its life membership award in recognition of his 44 years of administration service, the last 12 of which have been served as president.

An energetic and virile man, Wally has been a powerful force in the local and national associations (he served as N.Z. president in 1962) for many years, and was recently responsible for gaining Gisborne the right, out of turn, to stage the national championships here in 1969.

At 72 years of age he is still as active as ever, scorning a relaxed retirement.

Born in Norsewood, Hawkes Bay, he came to Gisborne with his wife and young family in 1922. His four sons and two daughters are now all married.

Until leaving Hawkes Bay, his association with the ring had been limited to coaching in school gymnasiums (he was a school teacher for 16 years), and wrestling, being the H.B. secondary school champion in 1909.

Since then he has taken part in a wide variety of activities, being president of the Rodeo Association, Justices of the Peace Association, Orphans Club, Makaraka School and Hall committees, and the Makaraka Patriotic Society. He was founder of the P.B. Highland Dancing Society, was a foundation member of the Orphans Club, and was a Government nominee on the Rehabilitation Board. In 1943 he became a Justice of the Peace, and stood unsuccessfully as a Labour candidate for Parliament.

Until his retirement he had worked for 32 years for the Makaraka firm of C.G. Ancell Ltd.