CLUB OFFICERS FINED

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26363, 6 March 1951, Page 8

CLUB OFFICERS FINED

ORGANISED CALCUTTA SWEEP Albert Charles Porter and Roberi Hogart Harrison pleaded guilty in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before Mr Rex C. Abernethy, S.M., to a charge of establishing a lottery whereby prizes were drawn by chance. Mr W. G. P. Cuningham appeared for the defendants. Detective-Sergeant A B. Tate said Porter and Harrison were president and secretary of the Christchurch Cash Cycling Club, and had arranged to hold a Calcutta Sweep in the Selwyn Street Hall. Admission was by ticket, 10s. When the police arrived there were about 200 present. The sweep was held on the Inter-Dominion Trotting Championships, and after all prizes had been paid it was expected that the club’s profit would be about £6O. The two men charged had admitted running the sweep for the club, which was badly in need of funds. There was nothing sinister in the arrangements, said Detective-Ser-geant Tate, and it was not suggested that any of those concerned would eao any monetary benefit. The funas were needed to pay current expenses and those covering the Centennial Games. The road races from Umaru and Waimate had proved costly. It was difficult for clubs to make ends meet, said Mr Cuningham. Members’ subscriptions were only a fraction, and in road racing spectators could get a view from the roadside without a charge. The money was spent in providing good healthy sport for youth and in keeping boys out °*The Magistrate said he realised that defendants had not been out for personal gain: but there were legal and illegal ways of raising money. 11 the authorities winked at such breaches there would be far. too many people gaining money in an illegal manner. It was impossible to stop gambling altogether. Any man would be a fool to try. “Stick to the proper track.” advised the Magistrate in Imposing a fine of £7 10s on each defendant.