A RECORD RAID.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 10 April 1912, Page 5

A RECORD RAID.

m AUCKLAND BOOKMAKERS' PREMISES. EIGHTY ARRESTS EFFECTED.WOMEN AMONGST THEM. (United PftSSs Association.) AUCKLAND, Apri\ 9. Four detachments of police raided certain premises in Vulcane Lane, Coomb-es' Arcade, and the British Buildings, this afternoon, .and detained all persons therein on charges of being found in common gaming houses. < It is wtll-known that the introduction of the gaming legislation made the bookmakers'' business illegal, but a number of men, who were formerly licensed, still carry on flourishing businesses. The raids were the result of months of observation, and proved & great success, no warning of the intentions of the police being given. The police considered that they held sufnuitut evidence to warrant the raids, and the result wan that nearly SO persons were arrested. These persons were conveyed to the police station and there brought before Justices of the Peace. The principals were released in bonds of £2OO each, and those found on the premises in bonds of £lO each. The persons concerned will appear at Court to-morrow. The proceedings have created a sensation in the city. In point of numbers the police raid to-day was probably the biggest ever effected in New Zealand, and the large number of prisoners taxed the police station to its utmost before they were released on bail. The proceedings were, therefore, removed to the gymnasium of the force. In this impromptu court the Justices saw the prisoners and signed their bail bonds. The victims were apparently quite happy, though some of the women geomed idi/stressed. Tluf ipojice tused great tact throughout.