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Kōrero: Boxing and wrestling

Wrestler Robert Scott, early 1900s

Wrestler Robert Scott, early 1900s

Informal wrestling matches were held in New Zealand in the 19th century, with more organised bouts taking place at Caledonian sports days and other athletic events. This is wrestler Robert Scott around 1908 or 1909. He was a champion wrestler, as suggested by the array of medals and trophies alongside him. The large trophy says he was the Manawatu and West Coast Caledonian Society champion.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Alexander Turnbull Library, James McAllister Collection (PAColl-3054)

Reference: 1/1-007893-G

by James McAllister

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Joseph Romanos, Boxing and wrestling – Wrestling, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/37963/wrestler-robert-scott-early-1900s (accessed 4 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Joseph Romanos, i tāngia i te 27 April 2012, updated 1 January 2015.

Comments

Jackie Matthews
26 September 2022
This is a photo of my great grandfather. This photo was at my grandmother's house, along with the small trophy in the photo. I am not sure, but I think the big trophy was with my grandmother's older sister. This is awesome to see.