Judge Reverses S.M.'s Decision On “Picks”

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29842, 7 June 1962, Page 20

Judge Reverses S.M.'s Decision On “Picks”

(New Zealand Press Association)

HAMILTON, June 6. A reserved judgment upsetting a decision of Mr L. M. Inglis, S.M., on the legality of a “picking winner” scheme known as "pools” was delivered in the Supreme Court at Hamilton today byMr Justice McGregor. The Magistrate had dismissed an information against James Fenton Willis that he used his premises as a common gaming house. He also dismissed a second charge that Willis sent a

detective a circular inviting him to make a bet. His Honour said Willis, in an ingenious way operated what was known as a "pools competition." Competitors were offered the opportunity of staking Is as an entry fee in a competition to select the winners at certain race meetings.

No portion of the entry fees was retained by Willis but the winners, on receiving’ their share, were asked to make a donation to Willis.

The Magistrate was quite correct in dismissing the first information, but his Honour said he did not agree with the Magistrate who maintained the sending of the circular was not a transaction which had the characteristics of a bet. His Honour remitted this case back to the Magistrate with the opinion that Willis should be convicted and a penalty the Magistrate considered appropriate, imposed.

Afforestation Plan. An afforestation plan to save Australia about £7O million a year in timber imports was outlined on Tuesday. The plan, of vital concern to New Zealand as one of Australia’s timber suppliers, will cost about £lm a year for the next 20 years.—Sydney, June 6.