WRESTLING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3749, 9 February 1907, Page 3

WRESTLING.

The wrestling exhibition which took place in the Public Hall on Thursday night attracted a large attendance. The principal item on the programme . was the attempt to be made by Harry Pearce, the world’s champion middleweight wrestler, to throw Constable Dixon within 15 minutes. A mixed programme was served up before the big event, consisting of instrumental selections. Prince Olrac, the fire King, sang one or two songs and accompanied himself on the banjo. This individual, who by the way is a coloured American, proved himself to be a versatile artist of no mean order. He invited any member of the audience to dine with-him on live coals, or partake of hqt sealing wax, which he dropped in his mouth with apparent relish, poured some liquid in his mouth and set fire to it and blew out a stream of flame. His cleverest leat, however, was the singing of a song with a lighted cigar completely hidden in his mouth, accompanying himself meanwhile on the banjo. Occasionally he would work the cigar to the lips with his tongue and puff out the smoke. It was a remarkably clever feat. Pearce, showed that he could do something more than wrestling. He exhibited a pupil of his in physical culture, a splendid physically developed young fellow of 19 years of age, who performed some clever weight-lifting feats. As a stage manager “Harry” is the essence of politeness on the stage and in addressing the. audience continually prefixes the word “ gentlemen ” to almpst every sentence with much solemnity. Here is a sentence: “Gentlemen! I think before the big event I will let you have an interval of 10 minutes, to lubricate!” (loud applause) and with a beaming and good natured smile; he added: 44 Be good boys! ” After an amusing bout by two local exponents of the noble art the event of the evening took place. Pearce, although a shorter man than Dickson by fully a head was much thicker set aud nuggety. Dickson by comparison was much slimmer and at first sight it appeared as if Pearce would easily throw his opponent within the time. Excitement grew intense as the two men swayed and scuffled and used all the arts of the game to bring about a fell. But Dickson, amidst loud cheering, wss-notthrown. Pearce pleased to meet such a capable man and good sport. However, he would come back and guarantee to throw Dickson twice in 25 minutes. Half the proceeds of the entertainment were handed to the band.