The Sun.
London, England, 1866-03-30 00:00:00

The Good Friday Wrestling Sports.

(THIS DAY.)
Good Friday, although it was observed with much
solemnity in many quarters, was in others devoted to cer-
tain sports which have, for as many years as ono can well
remember, been associated in the public mind with the
great fast day of the Church. In former times the men of
Cumberland and Westmoreland were accustomed to try
their skill and strength by wrestling in Lords' Cricket
Ground on Good Friday ; and very cruel sport it not un-
commonly was, as many could testify who received severe
throws or hard knocks in their struggle for victory. Thou-
sands of persons were in the habit of witnessing these
periodical conflicts, and the two counties chiefly con-
cerned took a deep interest in the successes of their
representatives. During the last few years these an-
nual treats have taken place, not at Lord's, but
at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, and to-day there
was a Large assemblage there, composed not only of Cum-
berland and Westmoreland men, but of adopts in pole-
leaping, hurdle-racing, and similar sports, together with
the patrons of each branch 'of diversion. Amongst the
contenders for the honours of the day were the celebrated
polo-leaper and champion wrestler, Jameson, of Penrith,
and his renowned rival, Richard Wright, of Longtown,
Cumberland, the winner, during the last ten years, of 300
prizes in the different wrestling rings of the north of Eng-
land and south of Scotland. The number of prizes to be
awarded amount in money value to £l2O, and it was an-
nounced that they will be presented to the successful
competitors at a public meeting, to be called by the Cum-
berland and Westmoreland Wrestling Society, next Wed-
nesday Evening.

AMATEUR SCULLING MATCII for £so.—Yesterday
a sculler's race took place between Mr. Osborn and Mr.
Chapman, the distance being from Putney to Mortlake for
a wager of £25 a side. Osborn came in a winner by about
25 yards.

THE LORD WARDEN OF THE CINQUE PORTS.-
Earl Granville has this week entered upon his duties as
Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, and is now with the
countess spending the Easter recess at Weimer Castle,
whore the noble earl is entertaining a select circle of visi-
tors. No ceremony was gone through on his lordship's
entering upon his office.

DEAT:I or Mn. GORDON CUMMING.—Mr. Gor-
don Cumming, whose marvellous hunting adventures in
South Africa some 20 years since gave him a world-wide
reputation, expired at his residence at Fort Augustus on
Saturday morning last. For the last eight years the
" mighty hunter" had located himself at Fort Augustus,
where his museum of curiosities formed a source of attrac-
tion to passengers by the route of the Caledonian Canal.
In person the deceased was remarkable forhis great height
and massive symmetry of build ; with handsome Highland
features and the eye of the eagle, he was physically a king
of mon. Some ten days ago, it is said, he ordered his
coffin; and previous to his death he made his will, leaving
all of which ho died possessed to his daughter, a girl in
her twelfth year. Deceased was about 49 years of age.—
Post.

The marriage of the Earl of Dunmore with the
Lady Gertrude Coke, second daughter of the Earl
and Countess of Leicester, will take place on Thursday
next at Holkham Hall. The Marquis and Marchioness of
Ailesbury, Viscount and Viscountess Powerscourt, and a
large family party will assemble on the occasion. We have
reason to believe that the Prince and Princess of Wales
will likewise be present.

Yesterday morning the funeral of the Hon.
Richard Edwardes, her Majesty's Minister to the Argen-
tine Republic, and brother of Lord Kensington, took place
at Kensal-green. The ceremony was private, only the
family and a few personal friends being present.