WRESTLING MATCH.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1207, 22 November 1882, Page 2

WRESTLING MATCH.

Considerable interest (says the Lyttelton Times) was excited in sporting circles by the wrestling match arranged to come off on Saturday evening, at Seaton's stables, be* tween H. A. Slade and G. Robertson, and about a couple of hundred persons assembled to witness the encounter. The terms were “to wrestle in Cumberland style, the best or most falls out of seven ; tne winner to take the whole of the money, £5O ; the match to be for the championshiy of New Zealand.” Slade’s backer was Mr James Mace, while Robertson was backed by Mr J. Olphert. The match began shortly after 8 o clock. Both men were aptly described by a bystander as “splendid specimens of humanity*” Each is a half-caste, Uli, and powerfully built. The first two tries re* suited in “draws,” neither man being able to throw the other. In the third, Slade, after a severe struggle, managed to bring his opponent down on his knee, and thus gained the first “fall.” Another drawn try followed, and then Slade gave Robertson j another similar “fall’’ by bringing him I on his knee. The sixth try ended m & draw, ! but in the following one Robertson closed with Slade, and by a tremendous exertion of strength threw him fairly on his back, a feat which was greeted with loud applause. This seemed to have the effect of rendering Slade cautious, and though the men wrestled till nearly half-past 11, no other fall was gained ly either. During the night’s wrestling abont eight good “ grips ” were obtained, in three of which, as stateil above, one of the two was thrown. Some of the audience became impatient towards the close, seemingly thinking that the men were too cautious, but, on the other hand, considerable applause was bestowed on each bit of good play manifested. The general opinion was that Slade showed most science, while Robertson was, perhaps, slightly the stronger man, and had decidedly the advantage in wind, Slade appearing much out of breath after each try. At the continuation of the match on 1 3th November, Robertson won by one fall. Robertson is a big fellow, weighing 17 stone, with very muscular limbs. The challenge came from Robertson.