“IN THE DUG-OUTS.”

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 22 November 1924, Page 13

“IN THE DUG-OUTS.”

BOOKMAKERS AGITATED.

RUMOURS OF A RAID.

Much agitation and: concern was alis- i placed during the week-end (says the Auckland Star) in certain nooks and corners of the city where those who. follow horse-racing, and like to have a wag or, Jrequently gather. On Friday, and early on Satin day morning, the word was parsed around that tue deJtectives were, going to get-busy, and |as those gentlemen;—-whose ! duty it is ilo sec that the Gaming Act is not shattered beyond '.epau— rarely send along-word to say what time they will be dropping -m, the bookies were naturally. m a state of expectancy, Asa matter of tact, they for the,most part preferred to remain in their “dug-outs” but as nothing transpired, and there were no strangers calling, all was well. Not that the “commission agents” were disappointed. 'They' prefer to keep to • themselves, and carry on their calling as quietly as possible. However, it would appear that there was really no reason to become alarmed, although they are. naturally ever on the qui vive and are whole-hearted believers in the adage, “Tis better to be sure lthan sorry.” It is iust about th’s tune, when Christmas is approaching, each year, that the police—and p-:i ■ uularly the detectives —metaphorically speaking, pick up their brooms and start to clean the city up. Those who come under the heading ‘of vagrants, pickpockets, and- others who .welcome big crowds —particularly at Christmas, when there are many visitors from the go, untry down for the races —are hunted up by the police, and given the tip to take the train out —and not to hurry back. During the past week a couple '' of detectives have been visiting the various hotels and other rendezvous whore men who nrefer to liv-e by other means than working are likely to be met. No doubt it was these visits that caused the bookmakers to expect some attention,' but they will again breathe freely. The Gaming Act has proved, remunerative for the Government, and rarely a week passes without somebody having to pay a substantial fine for breaking some, or many, of its clauses. Just how much has been mid in fines through breaches of the Gaming Act this year in Auckland is not available, but those well versed on the point estimate the amount at somewhere" near £3OOO. this sum covering fines for bookmaking and trespassing upon racecourses. A good starE was given when two bookmakers were fined £7OO between them.