"BONUS" FOR PATRONS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17451, 11 May 1922, Page 10

"BONUS" FOR PATRONS.

PICTURES MANAGER FINED,

(special to "the press.") GttEYMOUTH, May 10^

An intaresting case was decided by Mr T. E. Maunsell, S.M., at the Westport Magistrate's Court yesterday, ia which H. J. Wilde, proprietor of a picture show, was charged with giving money prizes to his patron*. *

Senior-Sergeant Byau, who conducted the C&66 on bejialf of the police, stated that Wilde marked four tickets, and the purchasers were each given a prize of 2s 6d. The police consideied it was a, game of chance. A policeman had given Wilde notice that the proceedings were illegal, but Wilde said he could Jo what lie liked with his money. He had continued to give these prizes 6ince being warned. The Sergeant considered children were quite fond onough of going to the pictures without being given money prizes. For the defence, it was etated that defendant had acted iri ignorance. After being warned by the police his scheme was to change the method of awarding the halfcrown. It was not a lottery, but a bonus for patrons. The Magistrate stated that the offence was committed openly, and it was not like a game of pakapoo. The question of the defendant's financial position had to be considered. He would convict defendant and fine him £5.