GAMING BREACH

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 24, 29 January 1943, Page 4

GAMING BREACH

GAOL TERM IMPOSED APPEAL TO BE LODGED Interesting remarks concerning the gaming laws were made in the Police Court to-day by Mr. J. H. Luxford, S.M., when delivering judgment "In the case of Charles Henry Wrathall, who appeared on a charge that he used premises in Symonds Street as a common gaming house. The case was heard three weeks ago when Wrathall, for whom Mr. A. K. Turner appeared, pleaded not guilty. The magistrate reserved his decision. In a lengthy written judgment Mr. Luxford convicted the defendant. ' Detective - Sergeant Trethewey said Wrathall naa a number of previous convictions under the Gaming Act, the last being on February 13, 1942, when he was fined £40 on a similar charge in respect of the same premises. "It is known that he has been carrying on in an even bigger way than is indicated in this case," added Mr. Trethewey. Mr. Turner pointed out that Wrathall had only once been convicted since he had been in the tobacconist's shop in Symonds Street. The evidence did not justify Wrathall in being classed as a hardened or seasoned offender. "The prohibition against bookmaking may be unpopular, but it is the law of the land," said Mr. Luxford. "Where there is continued defiance one must take a serious view. Persistent breaches of the Gaming Act only bring the whole administration into disrepute, and to go on imposing fines would amount to no more than paying a license fee. The gaming laws might need overhaul, but the Courts have got to enforce the laAv as it is." The magistrate imposed a sentence of one month's imprisonment, but on the application of Mr. Turner the sentence was increased to 32 days to enable an appeal to be lodged. Security for appeal was fixed at £10, and defendant was allowed his j liberty.