A RECENT WRESTLING MATCH

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7209, 18 August 1910, Page 3

A RECENT WRESTLING MATCH

(To the Editor, “N.Z. Times.")

Sir,—l notice in the "New Zealand Times” of the 13th inst. a letter purporting to be an account of tho wrestling match between R. J. Scott and L, S. Robertson. Tho writer of this letter is evidently ashamed of his name, as he disguises himself -under the nom-do-phinio of "Constant Reader.” He states that my opinion was swayed by tho plaudits of the crowd; also that in tho opinion of many I was biassed in favour of the lighter man. I notice "tho many” have not voiced their opinion. Perhaps they would if "Constant Reader ” asked them to oblige him, and write to the "New Zealand Times” stating the same as himself. He says that the match could have been made a punishing ono for Robertson, and that Scott refrained from using punishing holds. This undoubtedly is a fabrication, as Scott continually trieel for the hammer-lock, which is a punishing hold. Ho also applied the double Nelson twice, besides using the strangle hold on several occasions, thus easily earning disqualification, which was not meted out to him, through my leniency. Three of Robertson’s fingers were stiff and unfit for us© after the match, nor could he go on with tho wrestling, ali though there was yet nearly an hour to go. I am forced to state these facts. Ho says that when tho referee (myself) tapped Scott, he (the reforee) meant it to signify a fall until some of the spectators said it was a strangle, and then tho referee showed his weakness. This is easily explained. At this stage of the wrestling Scott had on a strangle hold, and, as he afterwards told me, ho could not hear mo tell him to take it off, ou account of the noise of the spectators. As Robertson was choking, I tapped Scott to make him, release lus hold. The eta.toracat, among others, that when I was loaning against the scenery by tho front of the stage (be it noted ” there was no scenery there), Robertson "admitted his defeat like a man,” is an untruth, and can easily be proved to be entirely wrong. The position of referee is at all times unthankful, and I did not ask tho men to appoint me referee. I might mention tho fact that I was not appointed till five minutes before tho match began. As there was only ono man present who understood wrestling from a. scientific point of view I can draw ray own conclusions. I wish to add that I will forfeit the sum of .£SO to any charitable institution that "Constant Reader” wishes to name if he can substantiate that I was partial to tho lighter man.—l am. etc., JOE URKCIINBR (World's Champion Feather-weight W rostlor). Stratford, August 16th.