Fencing
It Requires Agility and Skill

After an off season or two, fencing is regaining popularity among Gisborne's young folk. The local club now has nearly a dozen members, including several young women and some junior boys, who find the ancient sport full of appeal.

Photographs on this and the next two pages were taken by "Photo News" at an afternoon series of bouts to mark the visit of four experts from the Hastings Club.

Fencing, the art of using a foil for attack and defence, originated in Italy about the 16th century, so that it is one of the oldest of sports. It requires a keen eye and a controlled hand, quickness of eye and agility in the execution of rapid movements.

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Peter Wilton (Gis.) and Ron Garnett (Hastings) practise with foils.

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Frances Lee scores hit with this disengaged lunge. Nearer camera: Jill Langbein.

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Now Ron and Peter are really making the foils flash. This is a parry riposte.

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.......and this is the mask worn to avoid facial injury

In competition contests, opponents score according to a set of rules. Each bout is presided over by an expert, and there are four judges. The foil used has a steel blade tipped with a round button. Masks are worn to protect the face and throat. A turn with the foils is regarded by devotees as one of the finest of athletic exercises, every muscle in the body and limbs being brought into action.

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Michael Renouf, one of the younger fencers

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Line-up for the camera

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Girls at practice

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Fencing bout in progress between Frances Lee and Miriam Smith (Hastings), with judges and (at left) president of the bout John Holden.