COMPANY MANAGER FINED

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 7, 3 October 1944, Page 7

COMPANY MANAGER FINED

Found In Gaming House Alexander Katransky, a company manager, aged 31, was fined £5 by Mr. Stout, S.M., in the Magistrates’ Court, Wellington, yesterday, for being found without lawful excuse on promises at 206 Lambton Quay, being used as a common gaming house. Mr. W. G. Melllsh appeared for defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Detective-Sergeant Thompson said that on September 9, premises occupied by Benjamin Brickman were raided by DetectiveSergeants Compton and Callaghan. Defendant was there and on a table were betting documenta—a day card, double chart, trotting book and a sheet with entries of betting transactions. Katransky admitted the sheet with entries was his, but said his only purpose in coming to see Brickman was to arrange for the loan of his car. Defendant said the entries on the sheet had been made the previous day with another bookmaker. Brlckman had appeared on September 18 and pleaded guilty to a charge of being the occupier of premises used as a common gaming house and was fined £5O. Mr. Melllsh called Katransky to give evidence. Defendant said he had been just about to leave when the police arrived. He had made the bets on the list the previous night and earlier that morning. Detective-Sergeant Thompson: What is tho name of the bookmaker? Mr. Mellish: I object to that question. The magistrate: I will ask you not to interrupt unless you have some valid reason. I allow the question. Defendant said he did not wish lo answer it. Questioned by Detective-Sergeant Thompson defendant admitted he had been disqualified by the New Zealand Racing Conference from attending a race meeting about four years ago. Defendant said it had been alleged that he was bookmaking.

Tn imposing the fine, the magistrate said he thought that on defendant's submission there was evidence he knew the premises were being used for bookmaking.