CUT AND THRUST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 239, 9 October 1934, Page 8

CUT AND THRUST.

FENCING AS A PASTIME.

SPEED AND PRECISION.

One of the oldest of sports, fencing, is fast winning popularity in Wellington, say* the -'Dominion." A reporter who visited the headquarters beheld figures in white military jackets engaged in vigorous sword-play, with parry and riposte, formal salute, and shouted admission of "touche." The fencing mistress, a sturdy young woman of commanding mien, explained the nalient points of the sport. "We have about fifty enthusiastic fencers," she said. "They include folk that have learnt at the English universities and have pa-ticipated in international matches on the Continent. But, of comse, most of them are beginners. It doesn t take as long as folk think to learn; I knew of a man who fought for England with the duelling sword only three months after he first held a foil. One of our members represented Oxford after only a year's coaching. ''Fencing is very popular on the Continent and in England, where every town of any size has a thriving club. Bertrand's, of course, is the home of English fencing. A great deal of duelling still goes on abroad; it is illegal —but so is gambling in New Zealand. The most celebrated duel of recent years arose out of the 1924 Olympic Games, when two judges at the Games quarrelled and decided to meet on the Swiss frontier and settle the question with sabres. After three hours' lighting, during which both were severely wounded, they were too exhausted to continue. They were later reconciled.

Foil and Epee. "There are three weapons a fencer may take up. The commonest in New Zealand is foil; it is a delicate and restricted branch of fencing, very suitable for women. One can only hit the opponent with the point of the weapon, and the target excludes the head and arms and the body below the hips. On account of its lightness, foil is a very fast game, requiring skilful judging to spot hits in a match. "The duelling sword, or epee, is the popular Continental weapon. It is heavier than the foil; indeed, jt is the actual weapon used in 'affaire of honour,' only with a button to blunt the point. There are practically no rules, the guiding principle being to hit without being hit oneself; and any hit that would cause a puncture wound is valid, anywhere from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot. The Sabre. "Heaviest of the three weapons is the ■ sabre, which has an edge as well as a point. It has always appealed to the English, who are famous cut-and-thrust exponents. One can chop at the other man anywhere above the hips. When two really fierce fencers engage with sabres, sparks fly. Some folk, who associate fencing with dancing,, fancy it is rather a soft sport. Now don't you believe it. No sport requires greater speed, accuracy, concentration and physical fitness. To go far with the sport, a cool, clear head must be added. And, of course, a controlled temper. The man who becomes wild when a sabre-blade stings his ribs is sure to lose points. And, besides, the age-old tradition of the sport entails absolute honesty and friendliness. "We have a thriving club here, and there are others in Christchurch and Auckland, but I think Wellington has at present the best aiid keenest fencers. We hope to become affiliated with the Amateur Fencing Association in England."