The Ring.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume X, Issue 478, 21 September 1899, Page 8

The Ring.

DEATH OF TOM SPARKS.

One of the oldest “ landmarks ” of Australian pugilism passed away last Friday morning (reports the Sydney Referee Sept. 6) in the person of Tom Sparks, known in his day as the “ Sprig o’ Myrtle.” Tom shone at a time when prize fighting boomed in England, America, and Australia, and fist-fighters flocked to the land of the Golden Fleece from all parts of the world.

He belonged to that school which, in the forties, developed Bill Sparkes (a brother of Tom’s), who worked his passage to England, and gave Nat Langham the fight of his life. Sixty-seven rounds were fought, and the battle would undoubtedly have ended in the Australian’s favour, but for the fact that at the end of the 62nd round, when Sparkes threw Nat, Bill’s right arm got twisted under the Englishman’s body, and the bone of the forearm was badly broken. Still, the Cook’s Biver man fought on, though suffering intense pain, and

crippled in such a manner that it was impossible for him to pull through. His seconds had literally to drag him away at the close of the 67th round. Bill Sparkes’ exhibition of grit on that occasion was a revelation to the ringsiders, among whom the English aristocracy was largely represented. Tom Sparks died at his home, Canterbury, of heart failure at the ripe age of 76, after being laid up for less than a fortnight, and was buried on Saturday afternoon. For years past his has been a familiar figure at the Leger entrance to Moorefield racecourse, and Tom had no more sterling friend and well-wisher than the popular proprietor of that favorite resort, Mr Peter Moore.

The following letter appeared in the Sydney Referee of September 6 While looking over the Referee of August 2 I read in the boxing columns a letter from Percy Lewis, stating that he challenged New Zealand from Bst to 9st. If that challenge was issued, it did not reach as far north as Auckland, or it would have been accepted either by my brother Fred or myself. I will most likely be in Sydney in a week or so, and if Lewis happens to be there then I will g'adly meet him and make a match to box under the auspices of any of the athletic clubs. As boxing is wiped out all over New Zealand, there is no chance of bringing off a match over on this side. Hoping you will give this brief letter a little space,—l am, &c., Arthur G. Paltridge, Claimant for 9st Championship Honors. Auckland, N.Z., August 26.”