IN SOUTH AFRICA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXX, Issue 20165, 20 July 1935, Page 16

IN SOUTH AFRICA

SHOWMANSHIP RUN RIOT In recent years there seems to have developed a closer union than hitherto in wrestling between Australia and South Africa and, incidentally, New Zealand. No doubt this affinity between British territories could be exploited to a greater extent if it were not for the great distances between them. The time necessary to travel from New Zealand to Johannesburg is about eight weeks, or considerably more than is occupied in going from here to Britain. A number of wrestlers who have visited New' Zealand in recent years have subseqnently made their way in the direction of South Arfica. It is understood that Harry Mamos is the latest to head for the Cape. In company with other countries South Africa has had experiences of what may be termed embellished wrestling and there have been instances of the proceedings in the ring becoming so far from straight wrestling that discussion by civic authorities similar to that which followed Billy Edwards's outbreak in Wellington a few seasons back have been aroused. Recent reports indicate that “showmanship” has not been checked and South African rings at present seem to rival, if not out-do, American rings in this respect. Unruly Spectators The “rough-house” element however, does not appear to be confined to the men in the ring. The spectators like to join in the fun to, and they do not hesitate to throw things, hard or soft, into the ring. These missiles have frequently landed in the ringside seats, on the Press tables, and among the police officers. Empty bottles become so frequently used that the police were obliged to take action. Bottle throwers desisted but the throw-

ing of vegetables past their best days became more popular than ever. Bob Kruse sustained his first defeat in South Africa recently when he was beaten by Bob (“Bullet”) Myres in the Capetown City Hall. Kruse succumbed to a Boston crab and was unable to continue. “Whiskers” Blake defeated Joe Gotch by two falls to one in a match that was accompanied by much row'dyism. Blake also had a match w’hich proved of brief duration with the Masked Marvel (Van Der Walt). Among the Shaw. According to a report from South Africa the death occurred recently of Martin Bucht who was in New Zealand three or four s'ears ago and made many friends.