GAMING HOUSES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 184, 6 August 1934, Page 8

GAMING HOUSES.

TWO MEN FINED.

"GIVING UP THE BUSINESS."

STATEMENTS TO MAGISTRATES

Fines of £iiO and £100 were imposed by Mr. W. R. MoKcan, S.M., en two men who appeared in the Police Court to-dav and pleaded guilty to using

promises as common gaming houses. Gordon William Reach, aged 20, stiitinner, was represented by Mr. Ji. Senior Detective Hull said Roach was not an agent, but was in b-winew |>n his own "account. He had been previously convicted. ~ Mr Wright said Reach and his wile conducted a legitimate business, that of n combined stationer and tobaeonniet. Unfortunately, Reach yielded to temptation and obliged .his customers by taking bets from thorn. All his betting was done with customers. He had since sold his business at a sacrifice in order to break hie connection with customers. _ The magistrate remarked that Reacn had been convicted in July of last year and in January of this year. He fined him £00. or two months' imprisonment. Counsel said the fine would be paid this afternoon.

"Awkwardly Placed." Mr. Mahoney appeared for William Thomas Osmond, aged 32, tobacconist, who pleaded guilty to a charge of using premises at 104,'Hobson Street, as a common ginning house on July 10. Senior Detective Hall said that accused's shop was fitted up as a tobacconist's, but contained no stock. Oriinond told the detectives that he was suing the business up, as bookmakers were being sent, to gaol. Counsel "said that Osmond had given way and had accommodated his many friends who wanted to place small bets with him. He had now realised that ho must look for some other occupation to provide for his wife and two young children. "He is awkwardly placed at present and cannot pay a large fine, but [ can assure the Court that he ha* definitely given tip the business," said Mr. Mahoney.

Mr. McKeah: We have two men in one morning who eay they are giving up the game. Mr. Mahoney: It is right in this case, sir. He has now got to consider his wife and children. "His last fine was one of £100, and he paid that," said Mr. McKean. "These men are charged witli using premises as common gamin? houses, but they really arc bookmakers. Osmond ' will be lined £100 or two months' imprisonment." Counsel asked that Osmond should be given an extended period in which to pay the fine. He did not pay his last line of £100, a friend coming to his assistance. "He may have been carrying on since then to repay his friend. If your Worship gives him an extended time to pay the fine, it will help him to recall his mistake." Mr. McKean: Xo, I don't propose to apply the instalment plan to the payment of fines. He can have eeven days ill which to find the money.