AN EASTER RAID.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 82, 7 April 1915, Page 6

AN EASTER RAID.

ON AUCKLAND BOOKMAKERS. FINES AGGREGATING £140. Something in the nature of a raid on people who take risks with the Gaming Act by taking bets on races in the manner of the bookmaker was made during the Easter sporting season, in Auckland by Detectives Ctimtnings and Hammond, with the result that six men were charged at the Police Court this morning with having committed breaches of the Gaining Act. William Ryan wae charged that on Monday last he made a bet on licensed premises, and admitted the offence. THE BIG MAN. "This man is a big bettor." slated Chief-detective McMahon, "but his liabilities have always been met, and his character is good. He has never previously been before the Court for any breach of the Act." Dr. Bamfonl (for defendant) stated that his client was well known in Auckland, where he had resided for fifteen years. Ho was known as being thoroughly straight and honourable in hie dealings. On this occasion, counsel was instructed, defendant had been to the races and had a drink or two, otherwise the offence of betting in licensed premises would not have taken place. Defendant was a man of substance, and not dependent on bookmaking for a living. It was n first offence, and there was no suggestion that it was a first offence, because defendant had been lucky hitherto. llis Worship remarked that he didn't think it would be proper to impose the maximum fine of £100 in a case of a first offence where the police stated that defendant carried on his business in an honourable way. even though it was illegal. At the same time a differentiation must be made between the small man and the big man. and defendant would be fined £30 and 7/ costs. THE LURE OF THE CAME. "There is evidently a great attraction in the game," commented the Chief-dctee-tive in pointing; out that James Lye, who admitted having taken a bet at the Ellerslic racecourse on Monday, was a contractor in a large way, but a bookmaker only in a small way. and had again taken l>ets at the races after having been once before fined £20 for the offence. "I'll have to double it this time." remarked his Worship, and I-ye was fined £40 and costs. Alfred \V. Birch also admitted having taken a bet at the Rllefslin racecourse, and was stated to be a painter by occupation, who did betting as a bookmaker in a moderately largo way. He was fined £30 and costs. MERELY AN AGENT. George Powell, who admitted having taken a bet in Quay Street on Monday, was stated to bo merely a middleman. "He has been acting as agent for two other men, who supply the money." declared the JJhictabtectivo, "and is not himself in a good financial position." "I suppose if the other men don't pay the fine for him be will probably put them away." remarked his Worship when, after Powell had been fined £20 and 7/ costs. Mj. R. A. Singer made a request ior time in which to pay. His Worship, however, allowed a week. CASES TO COME. William Lane, charged that he made a bet on the licensed premises of the Metropolitan Hotel, and John Weston, charged that he mode a bet on the licensed premises of the British Hotel, both pleaded not guilty, and were remanded, on bail, till next Monday.