COURT NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1940, Page 8

COURT NEWS

PETROL SELLER FINED

(Per Press Association—Copyright).

AUCKLAND, September 13.

Fines totalling £6U were imposed by the Magistrate (Mr Levien) at the , Police Court, on-Frank Stanley Thonip- . son, proprietoi of a service station,Jiliyber Pass, for two breaches of the oil fuel restrictions. He pleaded guilty. The police stated that between May and August, there were, snortages ol : 1100 gallons, compared with coupons' and licenses in Thompson’s possession. He had reported to detectives that petrol had been stolen, but after inquiries'were made lie said it probably I had- been sold. Defending counsel-.said that Thompson had been muddled in figures, and was now employing an accountant.. The Magistrate said there was no possible excuse, Thompson appeared to lijtve been “making a welter-of it.’’ Thompson was lined £35 on one charge, and £25 on the other,

ROOKIE FINED £IOO

TIMARU, September 13

“This is a much more serious offence than keeping' a common gambling house,” said the Magistrate (Mr Morgan, S.M.) in fining Ivan Vulet* £IOO, and ordering Him to pay costh at a sitting’of the Magistrate-s Oouri at Timaru yesterday, on a .charge of. carrying on the business, of' a bookmaker.

Defective-Sergeant 'E. M. Thomas said that the accused had, been arrested aboutlo.3o ai:m., when he was found to have in his possession betting slips and double, charts. 'V uleta had been previously cohvictcd, once for keeping a common: gaming’ bouse, for which he was fined £IOO, and again for laying totalisatoi odds, for which lie was fined £2O. He did not do business on the street or in hotel bars.

Stating that it was nearly six years since Vuleta had previously been, convicted. Mr L. J. O’Conn cl, who appeared for the accused•• said that the only material found on him disclosed that only 30s worth of business-had been transacted. Vulcta was a reputable and respectable citizen with a wife and- five children. He could not be regarded as a nuisance to the community and did not frequent hotel bars for bets.

In imposing the fine, the Magistrate said that Yu lota was liable' to a maximum fine of £SOO or two ..years' imprisonment.’