COCK-FIGHTING IN SECRET

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 237, 6 October 1928, Page 17 (Supplement)

COCK-FIGHTING IN SECRET

A RECENT RAID took place on a small farm near the tiny hamlet of New Buckenham, Norfolk, England, and completely surprised some 40 to 50 men, many of whom are prominent persons in London social circles. It is reported also that magistrates were found to be among this company, who had met at a secret rendezvous to watch a terrific battle between two game-cocks armed with silver spurs.

Although in 1832 an Act of Parliament proclaimed cock-fighting to be illegal, this cruel sport has never ceased to flourish. After the war a revival of cock-fighting took place in England, and exclusive clubs have been formed for the purpose of holding “mains of cocks” in remote and secret places. Only those who are in a position to pay the huge entrance fees demanded for the maintenance of an efficient army of scouts are admitted. Each member is required to swear an oath of secrecy regarding the existence of these illegal contests, but in spite of elaborate precautions the police are sometimes warned by persons who have had their suspicions aroused. The fact that many of the club members are persons of wealth and title, and therefore anxious to avoid detection, makes the task of suppressing cock-fighting very difficult. The young birds are trained to fight by fixing “muffs” to their spurs that prevent serious damage- and matching them against experienced

fighters. Their food consists of a special and expensive diet that will harden and strengthen the muscles. At the end of every trial bout the young cocks are rewarded with sponge-cake soaked in brandy. When a “main” has been carefully planned, the cocks are conveyed by road in well-ventilated and padded cases to the scene of the conflict. Before the fights each birfl is carefully “weighed in,” and if it should exceed six pounds in weight it is disqualified unless a suitable opponent can be found. Then two-inch steel spurs are attached to the legs of the birds by leather gaiters, and they are set to fight to the death in a specially constructed pit about twelve feet square. Betting forms an important feature of this barbarous practice, and during the “season” heavy wagers are booked that must total to considerable sums of money. So well organised are these contests that within an hour after a “main” has been decided the result is known throughout the country by means of telegrams sent in a secret .code. Fighting-cocks are bred on a large scale in quiet spots of the Eastern, Midland and Northern counties, by farmers who train the birds for their work. The pedigree of these gamecocks can be traced back to fighting forebears of the nineteenth century, and the breeders boast that the ancient strain has never been allowed to die out in England.