Wrestling Contest.

A most enthusiatic audience assembled in the Agricultural Hall on Monday evening laHt to witness a wrestling match between Donald Dinnie, the famous athlete, and J W. Sutherland for £25 aside. By the terms of the agreement, the winner of the beßt in three styles viz .• — ' Grceco Roman,' ' Cath-aB-catch-can ' and ' Cumberland '— had to decide the contest, three falls at each style. About fifteen minutes past eight, tbe combatants stepped in the arena amid a perfect storm of applause. The splendid physique and herculean proportions of the old champion, Donald Dinnie, stood out in bold relief as he faced the plucky New Zealander.

Sutherland winning the toss for first style, choose 'oalch as catch can,' this being, perhaps, his masterpiece. Mr Fraser was chosen as referee and Mr McKay as timekeeper. On call of time both men met for ' catch-as-catch-can ' — ' strangling holds barred.' — and for eight minutes no finer display of physical powers haa ever been seen here, as both men exhibited much scientific skill, and the repeated iounds of applause which greeted the performers testified in an unmistakable manner the warm appreciation of the contest ; at last, Sutherland caught a severe leg-hold on his opponent, and, by a sudden twist, got both shoulders on the carpet. Amidst tremendous cheering the first fall was awarded to Sutherland.

- After five minutes' respite, the men again faced each other, and the round became intensely exciting. Again and again did Dinnie use all his great powers to down his opponent, but Sutherland battled with all his science to baffle the Scotchman. Rounds of applause burst from the audience when Sutherland wriggled out of his opponent's powerful hold when getting into difficulties. After eleven minutes' hard wrestling, Sutherland caught his opponent firmly by both legs, lifting them over till the points of the shoulders touched the carpet. The referee gave the fall to Sutherland, Dinnie objecting amid great applause from the audience.

The next style chosen by Dinnie was ' Cumberland. 1 This was also a very interesting and scientific ' bout.' Dinuie, on getting hold, lifted his '.man to throw him, but Sutherland caught him with an inside ' lock ' and amidst great excitement they hang in this position till Dinnie, getting his leg clear, threw his opponent and won.

The next was an unsatisfactory fall, as both men, after several tries for best hold, seemed to lose their holds altogether; and amidst much dissatisfaction from Sutherland a party, the referee awarded the fall to Dinnie.

The last style was the old ' Gneco Roman.' This is, perhaps, the oldest style of wrestling extant, and is now very popular all over the world. The rules are similar to the * catch-as-catch-can,' only no leg work allowed, simply taking hold on any part of body or arms. On the men coming together for this * bout ' cries of ' Stick to him, Sutherland,' and ' Down him, Dinnie '' were heard. Both men went their beßt as if fighting for a kingdom, and on every occasion when the veteran had hia opponent almost two shoulders down, he with a sudden spring or twist would again get out of danger. The enthusiasm displayed by the audience in their appreciation of Sutherland's efforts was great. At last Dinnie got on a powerful ' half Nelson,' and, pulling the other arm under, forced the two shoulders to the carpet amidst cheers. Time, fifteen minutes.

The next, and what proved to be the last, fall was very exciting, but, notwithstanding the splendid defence from the assaults of his powerful adversary, after a gallant struggle lasting about twelve minutes, the veteran champion succeeded in getting the ' strangling hold ' on the New Zealander, who staggered to his. quarters evidently distressed, while Dinnie came in for some amount of groaning from that portion of the audience who did nofc properly understand the rules of this style. The referee then declared the match in favour of Dinnie.

A backer of Sutherland's, a Mr Toauhy, then challenged Mr Dinnie. In reply Mr Dinnie said that he was ready to take them both on the same evening ; but, as Toauhy has broken his word to him before, he wished a deposit down first.