ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12657, 10 September 1904, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

FULLER'S EMPIRE COMPANY. A very teen, vigorous and exciting wrestling contest took place at the Opera House last evening between Mr. Harry Pearoe and Mr. (Constable) Arthur Skinner. The style was Co: .ish, and the conditions were that in the event of Mr. Pearce failing to throw his opponent ii 20 minutes he was to forfeit a 20-guinea gold . watch. Professor Potter acted as referee. For twenty minutes the gtru—-le lasted, first one appearing to have an advantage and then the other. The audience, which crowded every part of the building, was worked up to fever heat, and the local athlete was cheered and cheered again as he cleverly eluded a regulation throw. Every movement, every fresh grip, was watched with intense interest, and the minutes gradually passed by. The challenger recognising that the stipulated time was rapidly approaching made determined attempts to master his opponent, who, however, was equal to every trick, and by his activity and smart work baffled the champion where another wrestler may have failed. A throw against Mr. Skinner seemed imminent once or twice, but he proved himself too quick and alert. ; The 20 minutes was called and no throw had been recorded. The audience became most enthusiastic. Mr. Fuller then presented the gold watch to Mr. Skinner, who, through Mr'. Dart, acknowledged the gift, stating that he would treasure it as a memento of a very interesting wrestling contest. Mr. Skinner also accepted a challenge Jrora Mr. Pearce to wrestle in a few weeks hence. A bout takes place this evening between Mr. Pearce and Mr. Scott, and on Monday night Mr. Pearco is to meet Mr. Holmes* a man-o'-warsman, the acknowledged champion of the Australian fleet. OLD THAMES BOYS* ASSOCIATION. A very successful reunion was held in the Federal Clubroom last, evening by the Old Thames Boys' Association. Mr. We" Blomfield presided. During the evening the toast of "The Old Thames" was proposed by the chairman, and "Absent Thame* Boys" by Mr. Jas. Christie, and responded to by Mr. Malcolm Fleming. Mr. Gee. Hurfit gave some interesting reminiscences of the early Thames days. The Unique Quartette (Messrs. A. Kowe, 0. F. Bennett, G Bagnail and Asplrial'j gave several excellent items. Songs were rendered by Messrs. Abel Rowe, John Ryan, Geo. Bagnall, Chas. F. Bennett, Jas. Christie and .Vlaicolm Fleming; ■eomio song by Mr. F. M. Whitehead, and comio recitation by Mr. E. S. Fort. Messrs. D. Shorland and H. T. Garratt played the accompaniments.