Member of Bookmakers’ Association, and Proud Of It

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 3, 5 January 1937, Page 5

Member of Bookmakers’ Association, and Proud Of It

CHANGES MIND ABOUT GOING TO GAOL. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. “I am a member of the Bookmakers ’ Association and proud of it. I am still going to fight in order that we may be recognised," said Arthur George Williams, aged 46, a tobacconist, who was charged in the Police Court this morning with using premises in Pitt street as a gaming house. “The detectives who picked me up on Saturday were only doing their duty. It is the rotten legislation I am complaining about. " The Magistrate (Mr. C. R. Orr Walker): The legislation has been on the Statute Book for many years and is still there. “Well," said Williams, “I am not going to ‘squib.’ If some of my colleagues now on the pedestal had not ‘ratted’ the legislation would not still be there. I am not going to pay the fine; I am going to gaol in protest against the legislation." The Magistrate imposed a fine of £IOO, default to be fixed in the usual way. Williams asked if he would be allowed time to pay. “I thought you did not want time, except time in gaol," said the Magistrate. He allowed seven days to pay. After shaking hands with the two arresting detectives, Williams left the Court carrying betting paraphernalia.