Possible Clues:

• A short supporting timber; a cask; a pointed tool
• Drink a very long time — one has several gallons
• Joke with prisoner about governor's supporting post
• Support for miners a long time after strike
• Change starter in midday meal for quite a few gallons
• Cask of drink with spirit that needs a long time to finish
• Sounds as if you're usin' your fists, even though one is big and bubby
• Might C. ask for boxing, by the sound of it?
• Lots of time to use your fists with lots of liquor in