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BATURDAY MAY 81, 1984

THE CHINA MAIL.

FEATHERED FIGHTERS. amery cloth in walled to the perch for an Oliver: To use boxing BUILD YOUR OWN BUILDING!

HOW BIRDS ARE TRAINED

TO BOX.

SOME INTERESTING TRAINING SIDELIGHTS.

SOMERSAILT KING” AND

"SLEEPING BUDDHA."

for boak, sharpening and pecking practice.

An Animated Chorus. After the outing a visit is made to the tea house where all the birds are hung on peles close to one another and vie with each other, together with a minority of larks, in making a chants which can be heard a block off.

The object of these daily gather ings in to instil the coming scrappers with the spirit of want. ing to “get at" those who have dared to venture near enough for the voice to be heard and to become acquainted with the

'atmosphere,"

!!

(By Gai Ming for the China Mail)

Reports from headquarters having indicated that the contestants in the main event were in fine trim and ready for the fray, I hied my- self to the appointed place and As time proceeds the birds awaited the battle forlife and death become more fiery and it is then between the bantani-ur was it the that a special kind of worm known feather?-weights who had both in the vernacular as the grass been backed to win large sums of dragon is judiciously served to money. After the usual pre-bring out the fighting spirit. liminaries, the order "Ready" was curtly rapped out by the M.C. and I waited for the fun to begin. ***

No. 1 did not go to any boxing match or, better still, a bare knuckle boat. If I had I might have been able to make some useful comparisons and mayhap, take a few points on the noble art from the feathered fighters who scrapped in a Queen's Road tea house to the delight of about a hundred Chinese bird "fanciers."

Pedigree Not Essential. ·

the Mail office. I Was told that one was a

previous victories on his plumes.. His neighbour on the wall-in

*he had

fighting talents of prospective

parlance, they mixed things with a !!! Buddha, apparently had"

something up his sleeve because BUSINESS MEN WHO WERE THEIR OWN

he soon got in another good grip and off they went to sleep again. This time, the two birds had their

CONTRACTOR.

beaks in each other's and they THE CHINA BUILDING remained kissing till the end of the fight which was as unexpected as it was dramatic.

A Foul

King concentrated his attention on Buddha's face when they agreed to the nap and Buddha's legs could not be seen as he covered them with one extended wing. As a matter of fact he was hitting when his man was down because he got one claw around King's shoulder and the other round his throat again."

Everybody on the 'floor was silent, waiting for next develop- ment. After seventeen minutes-I timed it this time. having been: forewarned by the previous long Try as he would he could not sleep King started to wrigglo, break away from Buddha's firm grasp even though he surrendered the privilege of clawing Buddha's face, to push his strongly entrenched legs away.

SUCCESS.

Promoters Experiment to Save Time,

A fent without precedent in the building annals of Hongkong was accomplished when the owners of the China Building entirely eliminated-the-principal-contractor,-- took the role themselves and from turning the first spadeful of earth to the final covering of the roof, supervised and controlled the complete and intricate business of building and through their own effort and enterprise 'nchieved with distinct success what must be considered an unusual experiment. The Hon. Mr. R. H. Kotewall made this remarkable statement to a China Mail repre- sentative yesterday when he called upon him to ask his opinion regarding the discussion which has arisen conterning the delay in the carrying out of the Kowloon Garden City schome.

Air. Kotewall, who was the prin- for various "sub-contracts for cipal promoter and now a Director specific, work, such as scaffolding. of the Company which owns iron work, woodwork, etc.

The the China Building, said at the owners engaged their own fore outset that he was not prepared to men, two Cantonese from Shang- comment in any way on the Kow. [hat who had previously carried ou gladly give any information re- who were known personally to ont loon Tong discussion, but would extensive work in this Colony und quired concerning his own build-of the owners. ing

proceeded to explain that such opponents before he, couscits to a considered unwise for a bird to building scheme was that the many months. We wanted the

Picking A Winner, When an owner feels that his protege is ready to enter the lists he looks about for an opponent, preferably one over which his bird holds a decided advantage. These prelimittary bouts are in the nature of "try-outs" and failure means relegation to some quiet comer for the remainder of the season. After a victory the gladiator is given a

Victor and Vanquished. rest.. If he has shown sufficient ability in the preliminary or is the Buddha let go. It was all over as Thon King gave a shriek and possessor of a reputation, the King was king no longer. Looking owner may embark on a big bout very dejected he darted round the Two of the species who provide as the next step but the next step cage for an avenue of escape to

With their own foremen super. the "sport" used to attract the more often what would be collide many times against the latest buildings to be greeted in their individual work, the pro- The China Building is one of the vising, the sub-contractors doing attention of passers-by outside known in boxing language as a bamboo bars of the cage. Buddha the commercial centre of the city. moters actively engaged in a

'second-liner." In this way the was in hot pursuit and getting in a Situate on Queen's Road, opposite administration battered: old chaff is excluded until the top-vicious peck at every opportunity, the foot of Wyndham Street, its always "on the job" as it were,

· capacity”, ano warrior with the scars of notchers are left to themselves.

The referee inserted his hand, massive structure combines capa- the building was finished in what To make a big match it is essen pulled out the two birds to cly and elegance of design was considered by many to be a another cage, it should be stated/tial that both birds be about equal, gether with Buddha's beak in Cointing the basement as a floor, } record time.

was only a juvenile. Asked if in age and weight. A disad-King's back, separated victor there are nine storeys, each of

pedigree which war vantage in either respect would from vanquished and put them which accommodate many offices. Kotewall," that although we I might say," went on Mr. ranted the monopoly of the atten- nean a big handicap. Each owner back in their respective cages from Messrs. Little, Adamas and Wood might not have done the jol tion bestowed his keeper, coolice, tries to gauge the respective which the earthenware jugs of the latter shook his head but

water had been removed as it is were the architects. things did not exist in the bird

drink after such exertion. world. Guide to form was re- vealed by size, sharpness of beak

No Odds Given. · aud claws, strength of ankle as mycaled in the grip" on the

The most important essential of a big fight is fixing the stakes. No perch, and a hundred and one other indications which

The odds are given but friends will ignorant could never appreciate.

join in on either side. After the Not being a bird expert, I am at non-birding patrons have left the tea-house, two tables are cleared loss to give the bird's description and placed next to one another. or even the name of his species. The stakes are handed over About the length of a man's palm to a referee and the

cages from beak to tip of tail, they stripped of their covers. Each

THE CEYLON CIVIL weigh a little over the ounce of the two birds attempt to fly at SERVANTS' EL DORADO. avordupois (tins from, the tipster) each other but can get no further and are all uniformly black with than the compass of their cages. Bring the good old blue book boys a white "apron and blue eyes. The cages are then swung round Enlisting the aid of one who has so that the barred entrances face kept a "stable" of these birds for one another. The bars are pulled years, I managed to delve a little up simultaneously and one bird into the elaborate system of pre-enters the cage of his opponent. pacing the fighters for the fray There is no opening spar or feeler and, was initiated into a method They get to grips right away with which would put to shame the claws interlocked. most elaborate preparations for a Derby colt.,

match and for this he relies on what he has seen and hearsay from

stable" followers."

Hammer and Tongs

The cloth screens were pulled down and the cages taken away with as much care as they had been brought. Stake money was paid over with all dignity and the gathering dispersed amidst the chatter of the excited throng as to the merits of the contestants.

and sing another song.

Sing about the "cooshte" jobs

we're getting in Hongkong, The Ceylon Civil Servants El

Dorado,

cheaper than if it had been let out The outstanding feature of the to contract we certainly saved promoters decided to shoulder work done expeditiously and we the burden and play the part of have done it." principal contractor themselves

Saving of Time. so that they could complete the building more expeditiously and owners methods, is in the fact A proof of the success of the save much time. They confidently that the land on which the China believed in the efficacy of their Bullding stands was bought on the experiment and the result proved same day as the lot on which the they were right. But, Mr. Kote- unûnished new building opposite wall continued, he did not advise the Hongkong Hotel in Pedder everyone who has a large building Street was bought. Both were to erect to resort to this method started at about the same time

nless he has

the requisite and the latter is only half the size xperience.

of the China Building site. The building in Pedder Street is still the China Building was practically in the course of construction while.

completed six months ago.

Men of Experience... Sing it with a spirit that willing they happened to have among

In the case of the China Build

experience in the building trade, startle all Ceylon,

the promoters two men of wide

A building experiment such na including a veteran of the industry the China Building cannot, how." who for forty years had been a ever, be

undertaken without contractor himself. The latter serious consideration and the however."had to retire long before experience of the promoters. The the fruition of the scheme, leaving on, Mr. Kotewall, has an actually been a contractor himself, their methods and is peculiarly it to his colleague who had not enviable knowledge of Chinese and

owner and who had gained valu- them, but where he has succeed- but who use large property suited to deal with and work with fox" China crost the Bay," The Ceylon Civil Servants Erable experience in the purchasing ed together with experienced

of his own materials.

colleagues, others may fail. Yet Acting then as principal con- this successful experiment points tractor, the owners purchased alla moral and compels an obvious building materials and arranged cuestion

Chorus: Hurrah! Härralı!

we sing the Happy Day, Hurrah! Hurrah! for the place

with higher pay,

So we sang the chorus, bound

Dorado.

Only the male species are kept Tau Wong," ie., Somersault As luck would have it "Kwan in captivity and feriales are always King," had taken too big a jump. released when i avertently captur He passed right over ed. No wild bird, ie, those Futt" ("Sleeping Buddha") and Mel Tor who are not reared from Infancy had to turn on his back to get his io, cages, can live in the pent up circle of the bamboo structures

talons in. With his left hand, or specially built for the purpose and leg, he held Buddha's beak and. and it is not till the birds are three bis right hand was holding the years old that they blossom forth other's wing. Buddha's right Civil Servants shouted when they as fully fleged warriors to achieve was entwined round King's left, fame in the tea houses and, at the to all appearances trying to pull same time, win back their upkeep His left was fastened to King's away the grip round his beak,

face with one or two claws insert. ed into the rim of the latter's eye Sleep While You Fight,

for the owner.

Elatorate Training. Barly in the spring, the training season commences as the birds

go uff" in the cold weather.. As

far as I could make cut, the birds

With his momentary advantage King tried to force the pace. retain the wild instinct which little body into the movements the Putting the whole weight of his incites them to fight for and keep a certain part of the open as their brought his fappers up against Pasture where each bird can find Buddha's head. Then he gave a ratious of worns for its mate and

succession of the somersaults the young ones. So soon as the which had earned him fame. offspring can fly, their parents Round and round they went but drive them out from the shelter of Buddha clung on. After about ten the nest to fend for themselves and minutes King tired and had to sub- it is before this period that poten-mit to Buddha's style of fighting tial gladiators are raptured, which began by taking a nap, cach Accordingly,, it is only nature that lying huddled up against the other. makes one attack another who has and with their legs stil interlock the audacity to invade his territory fed. I was told by the expert that and it is the same nature which all his great victories had been makes them fight when they meet won by golog off to sleep-and in cages.

holding the opponent down as well-and thus wearing out his Every morning in the early rival's patience. Selence, if you spring, each bird in a cage to him-like but there was more behind the self and completely obscured from visit to Morpheus as Buddha, after the view of the world so as to closing his eyes for another ton reserve his furority for the minutes, had left off trying to pul! great day, is taken out to the off the law around his heak and

levels fur upper

airing got in a vice-like hold on King's.) which is supposed to have the throt

additional benefit of strengthening

"

his "grip." The idea of shrouds Science versus Strength ing the bird from what goes on

preserves.

cabriot say definitely whether

heard the joyful sound. That in Hongkong's distant isle

outside is to deiran his attention King had enough of the inertia or from the bird world, keeping him the strangle-hold on his threats in the belief that he is ford of all was beginning to tell but all of a he surveys and that none other has sudden, he flew up in a rage and dared to ventere into his was on the ngrefsive, for at least another ten minutes. His picce de Why and Wherefore resistance was using his wings Regular feeding times and diet round-arm blow fashion and batter- are prescribed by the trainer. Ating them on Buddha's head. Claws "the beginning of the training and beak were brought to bear season, the object is to fatten the until Buddha hard to release his bird so that when the time comes hold on King's throat. It was at to get him down to proper trim he this stage that King's supporters. .will not be overtrained and gave a cheer. From what I gather-

still carry

stiffcient meighted it was not expected that he to be able to throw himself would be able to free himself from with advantage against an op- that half-Nelson or whatever it is ・ponent. Green grasshoppers of called buy by dint of sheer grit the common or ganion variety are and brute strength he had got his lagerted into a miniatur cage head clear. which adorns the Interior of the living homae. Whenever the ins But Buddha was still the superior mate fools disposed: he packs at strategist. As soon as he found the lasects and satisfies himself. that sipeping, tactics, did not pay Seeds Are Elso provided but these he brought his weight to bear on serve the purpose of a condiment. the struggle and rettened a Roland

Opponents "Kiss","

Harbour Masters, Engineers, and they'd get a thousand pound,

Doctors now are bound -For Ceylon Civil Servants' El

*Dorado, Chorus:

So

we bade a fond farewell to Where, in spite of well known

Ceylon's tropic isle,

hymns, we found the prospect vito.

Sorrow fled before us for we hoped

to make a pile

4

In Coylon Civil Servants El

Dorado. Chorus:

POWER

DeBarry in her palmiast days Rovor hold the reigns of govern meat more firmly clenched.

Watch for hor TDOT N

SPECTACLES.

双

N LAZARUS

27, Queen's Head

HONGKONG'S ONLY BUROPEAN?

OPTICIAN

A mild sensation was caused early this morning by the appearance of an aeroplane. soaring gracefully in the air. Thoughts of MacLaren and the American flyers were soon dissipated by the knowledge that they could not possibly have arrived. As a matter of fact the 'plane was that of Mr. H W. Abott who has spent so much time in overhauling it in pre- paration for a proposed exhibition flight at Happy Valley Mr. Abbott make two preliminary flights this morning. In the first, at about 8.45 am. he circled Kowloon City The next one about 9.30 am, was a general testing. In both cases Mr. Abbolt made perfect landings. This seems to augur well for the exhibition. Mr,CAbbott must be congratulated on his efforts which all trust will end successfully The above shows Mr. and lira Abbott and friends and the aeroplane.

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