"SEAGULLS."

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 127, 31 May 1935, Page 8

"SEAGULLS."

WATERFRONT RAID,

MEN WHO PLAYED TWO-UP.

SMALL TINES IMPOSED

As tlie result of a raid carried out by detectives under Detective-Sergeant McHugli on May 3 about mid-day, when a crowd of two-up players were caught playing tlic illegal game, ten men were summoned in the Police Court this morning on charges brought undci the Gaming Act, 1908. Seven appeared, all being represented by Mr, F. W. Schtamm, who pleaded gniltv on their behalf. Senior Detective Hall said that as a result of complaints being recei\cd by the police of gambling on the wateifront, a constable in plain clothcs was detailed to make inquiries. On live different clays be took part in games of two-up with men. On May 2 the. "school," which was in session on the western reclamation, was raided by detectives. Most of the men caught admitted that they were playing and taking side bets. Detective-Sergeant Mcllugh also gave evidence. "These men for whom 1 appear are waterside workers known as 'seagulls,'" paid Mr. Schramm. "They are not members of the Waterside Union of Workers, but pick up whatever work is offering outside the union. They sometimes go for days without getting any work, and, they have been filling in their spare time by playing two-up. All are sustenance men in poor circumstances who arc unable to pay a heavy line. They have not played for high stakes. They have done no harm, apart from the nuisance of playing the game." One man, who admitted that he was the owner of the dice and box which the police found in the ring after it had been deserted when the players scattered, was fined £1. The others were, fined 10/ and costs. Each was allowed one week in which to pay his fine.