Bookmaking Racket Is Alleged

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 98, 20 September 1950, Page 6

Bookmaking Racket Is Alleged

A description of a bookmaking “racket” alleged to be operating in Palmerston North was given by Senior-Decteive O. Power, when Vivian Coward, aged 40, a taxidriver, was charged before Mr J. R. Herd, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court with carrying on the business of a bookmaker on September 9. Coward was fined £IOO. Mr Power said accused was working for the largest bookmaker in Palmerston North and had commenced business when another man stopped operating as a result of a warning from the magistrate six weeks ago. The bookmaker concerned was protecting himself by employing such men as Coward, Who conducted the business until they received a warning. When that warning was given, another appointment was made. “Coward is a first offender, but he has come forward merely to be knocked down and enable another front to be set up,” said Mr Power. Coward had taken £768 in bets from 30 sources. “I am concerned with what the police have said in this matter,” said Mr Herd. “Coward was conducting a big business and there was no apparent reason for its size, as he had just commenced operating.”