BETS IN BAR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 192, 16 August 1939, Page 19

BETS IN BAR.

SEVEN FROM POLICEMAN.

BARMAX TO PAY FIXE OF £15. A barman. Harry Thomas (34), was fined £15. and costs by Mr. .1. M.orling, S.M., in the Police Court this afternoon for carrying on the business of a bookmaker on August 8.

Thomas, for whom Mr. Doone appeared, pleaded not guilty, counsel submitting that there was 110 direct proof of any bets being made with Thomas other than the oral evidence of a constable, who may have mistaken Thomas for someone else. No betting material " whatever had been found on Thomas, who only had £2 14/ in his possession when he was arrested.

"I have no doubt about the matter at all and I believe the constable whose evidence impressed me," said the magistrate. "Over a period of one month the constable gave evidence of placing bets with Thomas on seven different days. I agree with what Detective-Sergeant McHugh says that it is very undesirable that betting should be carried 011 in a hotel bar."

Remarking that he thought Thomas was carrying on in a small way, the magistrate imposed a fine of £15 and allowed him two weeks in which to pay.