AT THE STADIUM.

NZ Truth, Issue 168, 5 September 1908, Page 5

AT THE STADIUM.

Lovers of stpush (and hundreds of men as well who had nei^&r before witnessed a clash; m the roped arena m their lives) fairly streamed out to the Stadium on the historic day. It. is not every day that Sydncy-siders have the ■ chance — even at a long- price-H)! witnessing a battle for the world's, championship,, and the Stadium was buzzing like an excited beehive long ■before the champions put man appearance. The light was billed to take place at 3.30 p.m., but. even as early as 11 a.m. enthusiasts streamed out to make certain of a seat. It was ' a glorious afternoon of blue sky and «ashing sunlight— a bit too much sunlight, m fact— a regular summer day, with the suii glaring down like a furnace into the ring. C A brails band playing popular airs enlivened matters after the prelim, warriors passed from. view. Another bit of variety m the shape of an advertising balloon was skied. The contraption took fire when a few hundred feet m the air, and threatened to fall among the packed mass m the enclosure. But it laded away, and again the excitement cooled down. Outside the ground, on the top of a telegraph pole, a trio 6f chaps suddenly appeared above the top of the Stadium and were greeted with a cheer. On a perilously-poised hoarding intrepid *• (or moneyless') enthusiasts clambered and hung on by the skin of their teeth to get a look-over at the great contest. It wa,s now a' quarter to four. Squires, it was stated, had already been m his room for half an hour ; but the Great Tommy had for some reason not yet put m <an appearance. Seems it is the privilege 1 of pugs to keep the public waiting. Bill Squires was first to put m an appearance, clad m a striped dressing-gown. He, was greeted iyvith salvos of cheers. Bill wore lace-up boots, black socks, blue trunks with a red and white and a determined expression. Tommy next received an ovation as he crept through the ropes m his usual lackadaisacal fashion with Pat O'Keefe, his trainer. Tommy, as he pulled . oft his dressing-gown, appeared m a pair ot street pants, crimson sweater and motos cap. Burns' hands were encased m fingerless gloves, , which, as a protection, should prove a darned sight better than the knuckle bandages affected by our pugs. Referee Nathan, m immaculate evening dress, buzzed about the ring fixing up details as the men. took the chairs. 'Tommy, as, his seconds peeled his jersey and pants, appeared m crimson trunks, surmounted by a red and white Silk sash, and the stars and stripes knot-, ted to his side.