MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21941, 16 November 1936, Page 17

MAGISTRATE'S COURT

SATURDAY (Before Mr H. A. Young, S.M.) EOOKMAKLNG CHARGE a charge of bcokmaking was admitted by Ivan John McGuire, a labourer, aged 33. who was arrested at iz p show Grounds on Friday, while taking bets from those watching the dotting meeting from the fence and cheer) mens at the back of the grounds. Chief-Detective Dunlop said that chortly before the fifth race Detectives Mason, Stuart, and Watt apprehended accused while he was walking amongst the crowd, calling out. 11 be on the next”? When questioned. McGuire admitted that he had taken five bets of 5s down to 2s 6d. The sum of £8 10s and a doubles chart and betting slips were found in his possession. r his statement to the court. Mc-G-nre said it was his first attempt at bookmaking, and he had taken only a few bets. The money found on him was from bets of his own on the first day of the races. He was on sustenance and trying to earn a few shillings. In answer to the magistrate, the chief detective said that there was no suggestion that accused was carrying on other than in a small way. A fine of £lO and costs was imposed, default being fixed at a month's Imprisonment. CONFUSED BY ALCOHOLISM

Victor James Harper, aged 26. a labourer, pleaded guiity to a charge of being on enclosed private premises without lawful excuse. Sub-Inspector MaCLean stated that one night last week the accused was observed by the owner of the property in question, in Randolph street, and a neighbour (a justice of the peace), apparently creeping up to a bedroom window. He was apprehended and handed over to the police, who confined him in Paparua Prison for a week for observation.

The sub-inspector handed the magistrate a report by the doctor at the prison, which stated that his condition at the time of his arrest bordered on alcoholism. On behalf of accused, Mr R. A. Young said that Harper, who had been drinking, also lived in Randolph street, and being befuddled he had simply mistaken the house.

In convicting accused and ordering him to come up for sentence if called upon within 12 months, the magistrate said he accepted the explanation that confusion following on alcoholism led to the offence. Harper was also made the subject of a prohibition order. RAN AWAY FROM HOME

A youth of 18, who had run awaj' from his home on a farm in the country and obtained employment on a merry-go-round, was charged with converting to his own use a bicycle, which he had hired out for the day. Sub-Inspector Mac Lean said that the youth hired the bicycle on October 23, and on the same day left home. On Friday last his mother saw him on the Show Grounds, and the man from ■whom he had hired the bicycle also saw him there and informed the police. According to Mr H. A. Young, the youth had a tiff with a brother and a of tem Per. He had -mended to send the bicycle back but had no money. , ■The magistrate suppressed! the aceuseds name, and dismissed the charge under section 18 of the Offenders ProtS conditional on the hire of the bicycle being paid.