NOVEL TUG-OF-WAR.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18015, 6 March 1924, Page 4

NOVEL TUG-OF-WAR.

PARLIAMENTARIANS V. LIONESS. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) SYDNEY, February 28. The people of Perth flocked in large numbers to the main lawn, of the Zoological Gardens one afternoon last week to witness the unique spectacle of a Minister of the Crown and another member of Parliament engaging in a tug-of-war with a large lioness. The minister for Mines and Kailways (Mr J. Scaddan) seconded by Mr A. Clydesdale, M.L.A., had accepted a chajlenge to prove his strength against the lioness, which had been well trained to such exertions. A large crowd of people gathered to witness the contest, and when Mr Scaddan stepped into the roped enclosure he was given much free advice in regard to pulling. The lioness was chained to a stake "driven into the ground, but had play of about 10 feet of chain. The rope for the tug-of-war was fixed around her neck, but she took the strain, in her mouth. W hen Mr Scaddan was given his end of the rop* he took no chances, but immediately made ''a long, long pull, and a strong, strong pull,'' and with the added advantage ot a well-sunk-in heel hole. The animal was caught napping, and slipping along the ground was reluctantly drawn towards Mr Scaddan. He, however, was modest and was content with drawing his opponent only about half the length of her chain. He, apparently, did not desire to meet her any closer. Mr Clydesdale then entered the lists, but Mr le iSouef, the Director of the Zoo, did not think it fair he should have the advantage of Mr Scaddan's heel hole. The result was the lioness was the victor. She, perhaps with a vein of humour not generally credited to animals, dragged her burly opponent along a couple of yards and then easing the strain let Mr Clydesdale fall prone on the ground, much to the amusement of the crowd. Mr Clydesdale lost no time in risintr and petting clear of, the chain length. Victor and ivanquished in the form of the three competitors were then photographed together.