HOW NOT TO WRESTLE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7609, 20 January 1903, Page 2

HOW NOT TO WRESTLE.

* . AMUSING DISPLAY IN THE LADIES' CHAMPIONSHIP. There was unfortunately a little friction, of a lady-like nature, during the wrestling contest for the Ladies' Championship of the World and a purse of £200, decided in London last month. Mkss Adelina Levey, the amateur, faced Miss Violet Bradford, the professional champion, for three bouts of ten minutes each, during which, neither of the ladies succeeded in obtaining a single "hold"' upon the other. At the end of that time, after both ladies had expended a vast amount of energy, and both they and the referee had, amidst considerable disorder, addressed a crowded house, M ; ss Levey withdrew, finding herself unable to continue owing to the inflamed state of her arm, which she had) injured badly while fencing the day before. She therefore handed over her share <jf the purse to Miss Bradford, offering to meet her -again, and Miss Bradford was declared to remain the lady champion. The display was of a remarkable description. During the first round both ladies danced about with extended arms after the manner of boxers "sparring for wind." This was not at all to the liking of the audience, and the referee had to explain that the preceding was quite legitimate. When, however, both ladies had' by accident soundly smacked each other's faces the referee was again forced to intervene, and protest that they were not participating in a boxing match. v In the second round the ladies again failing to come to . grips the referee had once more to come forward and explain the nature of Miss Levey's injury, the lady, who stands about 6ft, occasioning great laughter by placing a powerfully protecting arm about tho neck of tlie diminutive re-fei-ee as she prompted him. Miss Bradford 1 poutingly protested that she was 'there to wrestle, and Miss Levey having smilingly promised bo do her best the ladios fell to again. This time they grasped each other with great determination about the neck — a " lock " wbich did not constitute a " hold." Now and thon they broke away to stroke n stray tress into place, and gaze upon each other "reproachfully. At tlie end of this round the referee announced tlie result given above, and the house, which had enjoyed itself immensely, laughed! -and went cut.