STUDENTS’ “DUEL”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 29 June 1935, Page 7

STUDENTS’ “DUEL”

AT THE LAKESIDE PRELIMINARY TO COFFEEDRINKING MELBOURNE, 19th June. Two students fought a duel with naked foils beside the University lake this morning. The duellists were Stanislaus Josef von Ingwerscn, known as “The Baron” because of his noble Danish connections, and Peter Lalor, whose great-grandfather was the hero of the Eureka Stockade. The dispute which led to the duel arose from Mr Ingwersen’s expulsion ! from the University Conservative Club yesterday on the motion of Mr Lalor. When the two students met after the club meeting, Mr Ingwerscn said, “There is a stain upon my honour which can only be washed away by blood.” He slapped Mr Lalor in the face, and challenged him. “I will defend my family’s fighting name,” said Mr Lalor, accepting the challenge. Clad in cloaks and accompanied by seconds, the duellists met the umpire and the surgeon. Foils without lmti tons were used, and no masks were worn. After the ceremonious salute the duellists began to fence. Lalor appeared to have an early advantage. Ingwerscn faltered and was driven to the brink of the lake With one foot in the water Ingwerscn rallied, and, with a dazzling riposte, turned the fortunes of the duel. He attacked, and the blades clashed in parry and thrust. Lalor stumbled as “The Baron” lunged and Ingwersen’s foil gashed hia car. Blood ran down Lalor's face. The duel was over. Ingwerscn declared, “My honour has been satisfied.” The contestants shook hands and retired to drink coffee. No official notice will be taken of the affair. The registrar (Mr Bainbridge) said this afternoon. “Everyone seems to be taking it as a jolly good joke, and that is the official view, j “There is nothing illegal in duels i arranged so that no harm can be 1 done,” said Professor A. W. Paton, lcc- ' turer in Criminal law at the Univerj sity. “No civil action for damages could bo brought for injury received in ' a duel, but a prosecution could be | launched if the weapons were dangerous.”’