Marlborough Express. Published Every Evening. TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1889. THE PUGILISTIC ENCOUNTERS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXV, Issue 147, 25 June 1889, Page 2

Marlborough Express. Published Every Evening. TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1889. THE PUGILISTIC ENCOUNTERS.

♦ Pressure on our time and space on Saturday, prevented our adding somewhat to our remarks on the above subject. We desire to have it distinctly understood that we have no sympathy with auy attempt to revive prize-fighting in the community ; and that if there were any probability of Blenheim becoming a resort of those halfruffian half- spieler nondescripts, who are making themselves obnoxious in other parts of the colony, we should call upon the police to exercise their authority in the matter. So far we have seen no indication of such evils. The persons who promote and enjoy boxing exhibitions here are well-known respectable citizens, and the men who have hitherto appeared in the arena have certainly not offended against propriety by word or deed, anc l we can affirm that during the exhibitions in question no objectionable conduct was allowed or attempted. Indeed the management were singularly strict on this point. So far therefore, the Council seems to have strained its powers without due cause, and without sufficient instigation. Those repressi /a powers should be exercised, one would think, (and, as indeed the working of the clause implies) in response to a petition from the " neighboring inhabitants," and that petition should set forth some tangible grievance, not be made up of vaguo generalities and moral reflections. Those powers, like the power to expel scholars, or to imprison for contempt of Court, should be exercised discreetly, not rashly, Indeed, the careful exercise of power is a proof of high wisdom in bodies as well as individuals. We contend that the Blenheim Borough Council has acted rashly, and without carefulness. The observations .made by individual Councillors about " black eyes " and phrenological developments are quite beside the question. Nothing in the Municipal Corporations Act authorises or invites Councillors to 'indulge in retrospect, or moral or semi- scientific disquisitions. We may dismiss all this as surplusage. We hold that the Council has used it3 powers rashly. And this we say with a sincere desire to repress ruffianism. What we do say :is that this is a matter, which the Council, if it considered at all, should have referred to the officer of police for the district. The Council need not usurp police functions. If the ,' nominal boxing exhibition turned out to be really a prize fight, thinly disguised, we are very certain Sergeant Scaulau would :soon " put a set on " the arrangement. It is for him to act, not the Council. If the boxing match is a boxing match only and the people enjoy it, and there is no rowdy conduct, why on earth shon'd anybody interfere?