Wellington Tug-of-War.

Manawatu Herald, 31 May 1892, Page 2

Wellington Tug-of-War.

The cxoitenr.ent of the tugs.of-war have been too much for the Wellington folks, The attendance on Saturday night, says the N. 55. Times, was larger than usual, and as each and everyone preseut was " barracking " one or other of the teams, dis« playing at the same time a good deal of bad temper, the atate of things whioh prevailed may be easily imagined. After one or two pulls had taken place, Germany v. Wale 3 was the next tug, but three of the " Leeks " were objected to by Captain Baumgart for various reasons, and after a disgraceful scene, during which several offers to fight wero made on the platform, and a good deal of bad language was used, the Welsh had to withdraw, defiantly nibbling at the leeks they were carrying, and the Germans accordingly scored a bye. After this discreditable episode, the Maoris pulled a bye against the Italians, who had failed to put in an appearance, and the Irish pulled a bye against the Welsh. An exciting pull between the Scotch and Germans followed, which ended in a draw, Scotland having about 3ft the best of it when time was called. The proceedings throughout had been of a most disorderly character, as we have already said, and one riotous pitite had to be forcibly removed by the police. The disorderlines3 culminated at the conclusion of the pull of the Scotch and Germans, which was not over until close on midnight. As the buildiug is engaged for the first few nights of this week the management cams to the conclusion that the best course to adopt would be to fix the concluding pulls for Thursday night next. Stage Manager Johnson announced this decision to the spectators, who received it with mingled cheers, groans and general uproar, and Captain -Black, of the Irish team, ran excitedly out of the wings and struck Mr Johnson a blow on the chest, at the same time shouting out, " This won't do," etc. Seeing the dreadfully excited atate of the spectators, Mr Johnson did not retaliate, and quietly walked away, but we understand an information will be laid against Captain Black for assault, 'i he proceedings then terminated, the spectators dispersing in a by no means orderly manner.