WHIPPET CLUB FINED ON GAMING CHARGE

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27445, 3 September 1954, Page 7

WHIPPET CLUB FINED ON GAMING CHARGE

The New Brighton Whippet Racing Club was fined £l5 in the Magistrates Court yesterday when it entered a plea of guilty to a charge of operating a t common gaming-house at its course on New Brighton road on August 22. The Magistrate (Mr Raymond Ferner, SJM.) discharged two members of the club accused of managing and assisting in the management of the gaming house. He made an order prohibiting publication of their names. Mr W. F. Tracy appeared for the club and the two accused persons. Detective Sergeant G. W. Alty said that the police visited the course on Sunday, August 22, alter they had received complaints that betting was in progress there. They found a number of stamped with different colours corresponding to colours carried by the racing whippets. The price i f a ticket was 2s fid although higher bets were taken. One of the

accused persons was taking bets on a race when the police arrived. The club deducted 10 per cent, of the pool before paying out and* only a very small profit was made. On about 12 months operations the club had accumulated about £3O. All profits were banked and were to be used by the club for the purchase of its own grounds. Profits were not distributed.

There was no nuisance in the way of a rabble, said Detective Sergeant Alty. On the day of the police’s visit about 40 persons were present and 30 of these were club members.

“I am aware that a conviction against the two accused persons would involve disproportionate consequences,” said the Magistrate. “They were acting as instruments of the club and received no remuneration for their work.” The Magistrate granted counsel’s requ< t that both accused be discharged under Section 18 of the Offenders’ Probation Act.