TOBACCONIST FINED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 268, 12 October 1932, Page 10

TOBACCONIST FINED.

Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Oct. 11. Whether mint-vending or “fruit” machines which have boen operated in several tobacconists’ shops in Auckland aro games of chance arid whether premises in which they are operated may bo termed common gaming houses were questions urguod by counsel boforo Mr Hunt, S.M., m tho Police Court, when Eric Phillip Goldsboro, aged 31, tobacconist, was charged that, being the occupier of a shop in Newmarket, ho kept his promises as a common gaming house. The prosecution contended that success in obtaining sweets from machines was luck and not skill, while the dofenco contended that skill was ’necessary. “£ am told that so much money is involved in those machines that tho matter will he taken to the Supreme Court whatever my decision will ho,” said the Magistrate. “Similar cases have twice beep before the Courts in New Zealand, and on both occasions tho Magistrates considered the machines games of chance. 1 have heard evidence, have seen tho machines and have seen so-called exports using the machines, and I am satisfied they are games of chance.” Defendant was fined £5 10s and security for appeal was fixed.