TE AROHA RAID.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 47, 25 February 1935, Page 8

TE AROHA RAID.

195 NAMES TAKEN.

PROSECUTIONS TO FOLLOW.

DATE NOT YET FIXED

The police took the names of 195 men at To Aroha on the occasion of the raid on Friday night when it is alleged that a "Calcutta" sweepstake was being drawn at the Masonic Hall.

It was learned to-day that summonses will be served in due course, but so far the date of the prosecutions has not been fixed.

It is understood that those whoso names were taken included justices of the peace, racing club administrators, owners, trainers, jockeys and many prominent followers of the sport. The story is told that a member of Parliament approached the hall soon after the police arrived, but on learning what was happening did not seek entry. No summonses have yet been issued. It is not expected that any developments will occur for some days. The detectives who were in charge of the raid are on duty at the concluding day's racing at Te Aroha to-day. They will probably take the matter up on their return to Hamilton to-morrow. Te Aroha is one of the towns which is on the circuit of Mr. Luxford, S.M., and the next sitting of the court there occurs in two weeks' time. The hearing of the charges against the men found on the premises will in all probability be. taken in the Hamilton Police Court, Hamilton being regarded as a more convenient and central place. Already quite a number of men have engaged counsel.

There was a wide variety of "hard luck" stories told the police party by those whose names and addresses were desired. One man was particularly annoyed when he was caught in the net. "Really," he said, "I have nothing to do with any 'Calcutta,' or whatever you call it.

"Mr. — is my brother-in-law, and his wife is an expectant mother. The doctor sent me to get him. That's why Tin here."