WRESTLING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13497, 25 May 1907, Page 8

WRESTLING.

The first night of the Auckland provincial wrestling championships, held in the Royal Albert Hall under the management of Professor Potter and Mr. "J. Trudgeon, was a success both from-a contestant's and a spectator's point of view. The various boutswere'interesting'and keen, contested, and whatever- some of the wrestlers lacked in knowledge was made lip for in determination. . The public* gave their patronage in a fairly, liberal mariner and there is little doubt that those who - attended thoroughly enjoyed the evening's sport. The contests, were remarkably even, and in two instances' a draw had to bo given after the* wrestlers had been over half-an-hour in constant attack, without a fall.. It was found utterly impossible for the management to get all the events off that night, and consequently some of the rounds and the finals in all three divisions, namely, heavy, middle, and light weights, had to be postponed. It was announced that they would bo completed on, Friday night, but' since then the management, has decided not to hold them on that •night. On Monday night a conference will be held with the wrestlers, when a date will be fixed and subsequently advertised, in the Herald. / • , Without doubt the best exhibition .on Monday night was that given by Leslie, who was announced as the New Zealand .champion, and Val Dunn. These two wrestled for about 40 minutes without a fall and the contest was. declared' a draw. Both menwere in good condition r and showed, superior knowledge to most of the others .who competed. When these two meet again 011 the final night they should provide another excellent contest-. ' The management has very wisely placed a proposal before the competitors, that" in event of no fall being recorded, in 15 minutes one fall bo given ,to the man' then leading on points. This, from a spectator's point of view is - desirable, ■ inasmuch as it assures variety. In the light-weight division 011 Monday night, N. C.Ballantyne, defeated his brother by securing two out of three falls, while in the httivy-weights' Constable Tate beat Constable Water*?.'»: la- the mid-dle-weights College secured 0110 fall againsi Russell.' • • ■" ■