"Murrumbidgee" Incorrect.

Manawatu Herald, 4 July 1893, Page 3

" Murrumbidgee" Incorrect.

It may be remembered that at our last local race meeting a number of " bookies " infested the ground and the Secretary desired Constable Gillespie to move them on. The constable was willing provided he was desired to do so. but the club officials were not quite sure of their position. On being requested to desist " Murrumbidgee " was rather excited and dared one and all to interfere with him, asserting that he would just like the club to lock him up, as he had plenty oi " sugar " and would soon let them know who he was. Apparently he tried this little bounce on at Napier, but found tougher subjects as he was locked up and on Friday sued for damages which he did not get. The Press Association reports : — Thos. Robinson, a bookmaker, known as " Murrumbidgee," brought an action against the stewards and Secretary of the Town and Suburban Racing Club, claiming £500 for false imprisonment. Plaintiff was laying totalisator odds on the course when ordered to leave ; he refused to do bo, and ultimately he was given into custody and locked up at the Taradale Police Station. In about two hours he was ordered to be released by a Justice, who was also president" of the Racing Club. No charge was formulated against him. The Chief Justice held that when plaintiff refused to leave he became a trespasser and the stewards had the right; to give him into custody if that was the only way of getting him off the course. As a matter of propriety it would have been better if the policeman had simply removed him from the course, and not locked him up unless he returned, but as a mutter of law the police were quite justified in locking up Judgment for defendants with costs.