HAIRDRESSERS IN COURT

Northern Advocate, 3 January 1936, Page 9

HAIRDRESSERS IN COURT

i TWO SMALL “BOOKIES” FINED

I [Special to “Northern Advocate."] AUCKLAND, This Day. As the result of visits by police officers, who placed bets in their shops, I two tobacconists appeared in the i Police Court this morning on gaming : charges. Both were arrested yesteri day by Detectives Moore and Brady, | who executed search warrants on ; their premises. Allen Forman, aged 24, admitted using premises in the Civic Buildings, | Wellesley Street West, as a common gaming house. He was not represented by counsel. Senior-Detective Hall stated that police officers who had visited accused’s shop on December 20 had experienced no difficulty in placing half-crown bets, while other constables had taken small doubles. When the detectives executed a search warrant yesterday morning a small quantity of betting material was obtained. Only in a Small Way, “This man is only in a small way both as a tobacconist and as a bookmaker,” added Mr Hall. “He has never been in trouble before.”

Accused said he had taken the bets to oblige customers. The shop was small and had no hairdressing saloon, with the result that he had to work 15 hours a day Jo live. To the magistrate, Mr W. R. McKean, accused said he had been there fore 10 months. Mr McKean imposed a fine of £lO. “May I have time to pay?” asked Forman. The Magistrate: “What money have you?” Forman: “Only what the detectives found in the shop.” The detective stated that Forman possessed only from £7 to £8 in his premises. An order that half the fine should be paid now and the remainder within 14 days was made. A Second Charge.

The second tobacconist was Raymond Clive Orange, who was similarly charged in respect of a shop at 243, Hobson Street. Mr McLiver entered a plea of guilty. According to Mi- Hall, the premises had been visited by constables, as a result of complaints. On two occasions bets had been made and doubles taken. When the shop was raided a large quantity of betting material was seized. “He is a member of the Bookmakers’ Association, but has no previous conviction,” concluded Mr Hall. “He is a married man residing with his wife 6n ; ‘‘the ptbrnises.” ■ “My client works only on a small margin as a silver bettor,” submitted counsel. “He was struck for adouble and arrested the same day, with the result that when he is fined today, as no doubt he will be, he will be put out of business. He has had his lesson.” . “This is a much larger business than the other man’s,” commented the magistrate. “Apparently it was his Intention to try to develop this side. He knew the risks he was taking. He will be fined £20.” Default was fixed at one month’s imprisonment. Elderly Man Fined, An eldei'ly man, who was caught by the police on the premises on Hobson Street, admitted being found unlawfully in a common gaming house. “This man had taken a double when the police arrived,” said Mr Hall. “It was a winning double and he will collect £l2 10/.” “Then he will have some money to pay a fine,” remarked Mr McKean, who fixed the fine at 20/, with payment of costs.