RICH MEN FINANCE COCKFIGHTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21538, 9 January 1932, Page 10

RICH MEN FINANCE COCKFIGHTS

LEADERS WITH A PRICE ON THEIR HEADS. Organisers of cockfights in Yorkshire have had a price put on their heads. There are persistent rumours in the Craven district that moorland meets are being arranged on , a bigger scale than ever this year, and the authorities in an effort to check them, are offering a £IOO reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any of the participants. Heavy gambling is associated with these meets. It was stated that a« much as £SOO changes hands at a tourney, amateur bookies shouting the odds to the select gathering, who are sworn to secrecy. It appears to be no uncommon occurrence, according to those in the know, for individual bets of £SO and £IOO to be made at one meet. Artisans and business men often sit check by jowl. It is even said that rich men finance these illegal gatherings. When the police become too active, arrangements are made lor the fights to take place in isolated country houses behind locked doors. Concealed in specially made hampers or bags, the birds are brought into the West Riding district, claimed to be the cock-fighting centre of the North, in fast cars during the night.