Norwich bulletin., 1917-11-12

cuffed around, because it seemed I was always into some sort Of mischief. don't believe I was more than six years old, but I had graduated from skirts when l had to assert myself al the little coutry school. I guess they sent me there to get me out of the road of the other children at home. I was tall for my age and Ian ky-looking as I am now. I wish had photo to show you. That was not a good asset at the time, because boys much older than myself took the job of thrashing me. Some got away denly dawned on my hoy mind that there was some luck in being 2 seventh son, usually won. IL was not just exactly the start of my ring life, but the boys knew could fight. especially those I beat.
 Daddy Was a Whole Police Force.
 "Ring records will show you that made my first appearance at Timura, New Zealand, in 1880. That is an error. My fother was policeman in Heiston. and maybe he couldn't fight. He was a whole police force himself. riot squad, reserve and Eatrol all in one. He sicl1ened of the job and when vas nine years of age we set sail for New Zealand, where I was inden- tured to a, blacksmith. I learned the trade. And I never forgot how to make shoe. It mattered not where I was. show me a forge, provide me with an apron and the necessary tools and although not sixteen, years of age when I had finished my apprenticeship I could turn out 8 horseshoe faster than any journeynan in the shop. The skill and art of the trade never left me and since coming to America I have
 made horseshoes galore for my friends who retain them as souvenirs.
 That old fighting spirit seemed in herent As a stranger in New Zea- land and big kid among the men who worked at the forge I appeared to be the target for general abuse. Ere quent1y my temper was at the boiling point. Al times it seemed to seetf1e like the hissing flames at the forge. I was vet only a boy, but had height, strength and perhaps more than my share of mental poise for black
 I would put the brakes on my temper sometimes was forced to fight and reveled in it. didn't always win be- cause I was forced to face heavier. tured men. The beatinFs. came my way once too often and I determined to look around and pick up some box ing.
 Could Not Fattsn His Legs.
 'I was a >cadaverous-lo looking kid. my friends said. Even my ears were thin. The exercise of boxing, coupled with my chest and shoulders. Nothing l would do seemed to put flesh on my legs. so I let it go at that.
 "The next fight I had at the shop was a surprise not only 10 my oppon- ent, but to the rest of the 'bullies. I trimmed him in fine styie It was at our noontime, and I postponed my lunch until after the fight. I thought it would be a good appetizer. He ate first. That was his mistake. When we squared off Ono, not with gloves); we pumneled each other with the bare u'ns} I caught him the jaw and his head hent back drove another to the body. That was enough. His luncheon did him no good I suppose you will label it my first use of the solar plexus punch You may if you wish, hut it taught me that mans body is a vulnerable spot. especially after he has eaten a meal.
 Real Value of Boxing.
 A After that it was plain sling for me. My hammer, tongs and other tools were never disturbed. They were always hanging or lying aside my anvil It was a rare incident thera after for any one to pick a fight with me. Don't you suppose valued the art of boxing? Only little schooling. and here I was at the age of sixteen years the fistic boss of the shop.
 Next Saturday.. November IT, the life of Fitzsimmons will be continued. His advent in the ring weld as af amateur and the wide swath he cut will be treated exhaustively.