STOPPED BY POLICE

Taranaki Daily News, 22 June 1935, Page 7

STOPPED BY POLICE

WRESTLING AT GREYMOUTH. SPECTATORS INVADE STAGE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Greymouth, Last Night. There was a sensational ending to the wrestling match in the town hall to-night between Kruschamp and Cy Williams. The bout opened with the usual showmanship, and. in the first- round Williams was rebuked by the referee, Mr. A. Baban, for punching Kruskamp in the stomach. Williams threatened the referee and was told to continue.

Early in the second round Williams had Kruskamp on the mat, again punching him. The referee slapped Williams on the head as a sign to desist. Williams immediately rushed at the referee with arms swinging, and to protect himself tile referee retaliated, Williams flinging the referee to the floor and through the ropes. They continued the struggle on the floor, while three policemen and Kruskamp came to the referee’s assistance. Eventually Williams was pulled off. Police Inspector Cameron announced that he would not allow the bout to continue.

The incident provoked an. uproar from the large crowd. Spectators jumped on to the stage and tried to pull Williams off the referee by the hair. Constables were prepared to handcuff Williams, but he was forced to relinquish his hold on the referee without this.

Although bleeding from the mouth, Mr. Baban tried to persuade the police inspector to allow the bout to continue, but was refused. The crowd remained for some time, hoping the wrestlers would return, but were disappointed. Owing to the unexpected ending no decision was given, but in the first round Williams appeared the stronger.