PUGILISTIC ENCOUNTER.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2156, 22 January 1881, Page 3

PUGILISTIC ENCOUNTER.

It is rarely (says the Wairarapa daily of a recent date) that we are called upon to chronicle a pugilistic encounter, but yesterday morning we found it necessary to despatch a reporter to witness an impromptu meeting which had been arranged between two local bruisers. The scene was a grassy paddock adjoining Constable Fleming’s residence, and if it be asked why within the precincts of the abode of a policeman such a fierce outrage was for a moment contemplated it may be said in reply that the spot selected was the quietest —the safest one. Under the new regulations, our constables are turned into bailiffs, and spend their time running about the country serving summonses. Hence the combatants went to work under the very eyes and nose, as it were, of the law, oily that the said eyes and nose were abroad on the trail of debtors, by order of the paternal Government, which protects our iearths, our homes, and everything we have excepting our pockets. There were plenty of backers and on-lookers, who formed a long line on the adjacent fences. The combatants came up fresh and smiling, and speedily divested themselves of their outer garments. No. 1 was a small-built man, about eleven stone in weight. No. 2 carried a little more weight, and evidently would turn the scale at thirteen stone. Their names are Scandinavian ones, and until we get them translated we will venture to call No. 1 Peter, and No. 2 Paul. Bound I. The artists faced each other and squared according to the papular notion of attack and defence. Paul feinted with his right, and Peter commenced dancing around, giving Paul a somewhat wide berth. At last Paul closed with a rapid wheel, and delivered his left with grace and ease on the seat of his adversary’s pants, amidst the frantic applause of the spectators. Bound 2.—Peter rushed in on Paul, breaking through his guard, and muzzled him by the nose, which organ, when the grasp was relaxed, appeared slightly lacerated; backers of Peter expressing their delight in the usual manner. Bound 3—A long scatter, which ended in Paul gripping Peter and throwing him on the grass. Bound 4—Peter, rendered cautious by the previous experience, endeavored to increase the distance between himself and his adversary as far as the limits of a two-acre paddock would jermit. Paul, standing in the centre, telling lim to “ go home ” if he would not stand his ground. But Peter said he would go and have a drink first. We understand that the thirsty Peter is still having his drink, and in the meanwhile the fight stands adjourned sine die.