DUNEDIN.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3069, 16 December 1878, Page 1

DUNEDIN.

Saturday.

A wrestling match for £50 a-side and the champion belt of Otago took place this afternoon between John Tyson, the present champion, and Thomas, of Eagle- ' hawk, the Victorian champion. Thomas was the champion, and came to Otago and defeated Dagg for lOOsovs about a fortnight ago. In consequence of that victory he was the favourite to-day. Both he and Tyson were loudly cheered on appearing in the ring. The contest was to be decided by the best two out of three. Considerable play took place when the men came together, but it was evident-they would never take "hold of their own 'motion, and when (l\ey were put together by the judge Tyson frequently slipped his hold, and his wresli- | ling throughout was. marked by a great want of pluck, and the crowd hooted. However, by' slieer brute force, he twice in succession threw Thomas, and during the struggle for the second fall almost choked him. Thomas wrestled very fairly and very gamely. a?:d many believed had Tyson done the same he would not have won. . ■ . The Government have arranged with Mr Coster, the Chairman of the New

Zealand Shipping Company, that a steamer shall be despatched from London to Hew Zealand during the month of January to call at several ports in the colony, and to carry not less than 600 immigrants in addition to other passengers. , A steamer is expected to arrive before the end of the harvest. : r