THE BOXERS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 54, 27 November 1907, Page 9

THE BOXERS.

THE SCENE AT THE OPERA HOUSE.

A sea of faces—faces sot with bright eyes all focussod on tho two lithe figures that prance and strut about in a neatly-roped square surrounded by more mpn—men of society, prominent business men, merchants, lawyers, doctors, and such, with tho First Gentleman of the Dominion snuggled comfortably in a Chesterfield chair precisely in the centre of the first row at the back of the "ring" facing'the audience; such was the gathering which witnessed the boxing contest at tho Opera House on Monday night. But they were all as naught—the boxers, men of tangible piiik-hued flesh studded with easy-working muscles, who faced each other with arms rampant, were tho only humans worth a thought. There is a secret leaven of old Adam, of prehistoric man in us all, and it comes out Uko a fash when "two strong men stand face to lace.' for a trial of strength and agihty. It is the subtle influence of the old, old immutable law of the survival of tho attest that makes two thousand pair of 'mugry- eyes devour the "feather-weights" is T,hey prance, ■. and feint, hit straight or "iab, "duck," or "smother." Which will hvini . New Zealand is represented by a hard ivirilo figure with white legs spread well apart, spare body and thighs encased in black. New South Wales i≤ rounder and pinker with the neat foot and calf of a premiere duiiseuse, and a round boyish face with a lioso that has been hit hard in a bygone battle. They smack with vim, these youngsters; but both can take jolts and still retain their repose. ■ The gong clashes—they are at it again! They approach each other guardedly. New Zealand stands straight up, but his feet are restless, and he, is' the aggressor., New South .Wales crouches slightly and "shapes' , close in,- He inclines his head downward and his eyes upward. He, allows himself to bo, backed round the ring, but now and ,'again his body shoots forward elastically, and his arms work like a Hail, but Now Zealand can take punches—and givo them.- As round succeeds round nature Hags, and when the two fall against ono another. after a pummel they do not separate so smartly as at- first, and tho referee's '"Break" is heard now and. again. New Zealand has led, and has probably given more punishment than New South Wales, but ■ three rounds from home the latter's ho.ttir.condition tells, ,nnd he- gives the local ■ product a itasto of, his quality. : .He lands a full-faced "beauty" near Now Zealand's "point," and the lat r . tor's head turns up and his eyes dull, but it is' only momentarily.. A second later lie is facing his opponent stockily, but without starch. They .close more frequently than ever, the jousts are shorter but fiercer, and slightly in New South Walcs's favour. Tho final gong goes—the boys shake hands heartily, avid sink exhausted into their, covnurs to be nursed back to normal with, cool sponges and Happing towels.. . • ,' . ; ,. The vast- audience is quito satisfied with, the light, and roar their applause. Tho referee steps forward and waves a hand in the direction of New Zealand's corner. • Ho is the winner. The best perhaps?