A NOVICE "BOOKIE."

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 104, 4 May 1929, Page 11

A NOVICE "BOOKIE."

EXPENSIVE SIDELINE,

FIXE OF £25 IMPOSED.

Aubrey Field Billing (49), advertising agent, who has an office in Kean's Build--Queen Street, was really a novice "bookie." He had not been in the game long, but was caught this morning by Detective Sergeant McHugh and Detective Xalder, who called and, after producing a search warrant, arrested him. Billing, represented by Mr. A. V. Fraer, subsequently appeared before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., at the Police Court, when he pleaded guilty to a charge of using the premises as a common gaming-house. Chief Detective Hammond said Billinrr had formerly worked for a big book" maker who suddenly left the Dominion. '"Billing used to post the bookie's books every night, and I suppose he thought it was an easy way to make money "by carrying on himself, for he knew' the bookmaker's clientele." Mr. Fraer said Billing had never been in any trouble previously. "Unfortunately the bookie whose books my client kept left the country, and Billing was out of work/' said counsel. Adding that Billing was not in a big way of business, Mr. Fraer asked the magistrate to impose a light fine. "He's liable to a fine of £100," said the magistrate, in fining Billing £25 or two months' imprisonment. Seven days were allowed in which to pay.