GAMBLING DENS

Mt Benger Mail, 3 November 1937, Page 4

GAMBLING DENS

MENACE TO YOUNG WOMEN ALLEGATIONS BY POLICE SEQUEL TO AUCKLAND RAID Auckland, Oct. 26. “The police are doing their best to put a stop to places which bring young women down to the lowest level. Gambling dens seem to be springing up in Auckland and are really a curse," said Detective Sergeant McHugh in the Police Court, when charges were brought against seven young women and 29 men who were arrested in a police raid last night on alleged gaming house premises. “We found a girl aged 15 in a drunken condition outside the premises," the detective added. He described the difficulty experienced by the police in entering barricaded premises, stating that electric bells were used. The police alleged that the place was not only a gambling den, but also that sly grog was sold in large quantities. He said that the majority of the young women on the premises were under the influence of liquor. “it was a dreadful sight to see them with men in these premises," the detective concluded. John Sidney Comack was charged with being the occupier of premises in Kingston street, conducting them as a common gaming house, and was remanded for a week, bail being allowed. A 'girl, who was caught in a raid last week, was fined £2, and six others fined £1 each. Twentyeight men were ordered to pay fines rainging from £2 to £3. A small boy was late for Sunday school and the minister inquired the cause.

“1 was going fishing, but father wouldn’t let me,’.’ said the boy. “That’s the right kind of father to have,” replied the minister; “and did he explain why you were not to go?” “Yes, sir. He said there wasn’t enough bait for both of us.” ■- - •