BETTING EVIL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 10 April 1924, Page 2

BETTING EVIL

ITS HOLD IN' NEW ZEALAND

MAGISTRATE'S COMMENTS

Presa Association.)

AUCKLAND. This Da

' This is another instance of a good man going wrong through our natural rsininity of betting/’ said Mr Povnton, S.M.. in giving judgment in the case in which Thomas Walker, a f god 23 clerk of the Auckland Land Hoard was charged with stealing £6 and £5 os 2d. ‘“lt is now a question whether Me Stale will control gambling or it the State. Already there arc ominous signs that it has perilously nearly attained the mastery. Here is a list- oi only a. few Public’servants, who, within a short time, have been convicted ot various crimes owing to this cause.

The. list read by 31 r Povnton comprised postal officials. telegraphists, policemen, telegraph linesmen, clerks, etc. TTe continued: “Public servants are above the average, physically, mentally, and otherwise. When this moral plague makes such ravages amongst, them, we c.in realise its havoc in the community. “The Probation Officer hesitates to recommend probation in this case, because snno of our Judges refuse it- when tjie case is one- of stealing from employers. There is sound reason for this. A man who steals from an employer or a friend who trusts him is more culpable morally and socially than one who steals from a stranger.’ Probation Is being abused. It is being so earnestly and lavishly bestowed that crimes arc being committed

on the- certainty of getting probation. It is, however, a noble reform, and at present- it is doing an immense amount -d good. It. is to he desired that their Honours will agree on some rule as to certain offences, and the Lower Court would gladly follow them. At- present each Judge and each Magistrate is a law unto himself. I do- not- think the accused is reallv a criminal. He has fallen through betting, ; not Uirough beiru: bv nature a thief.” The accused was admitted to probation for three years ordered to make restitution of the amounts stolen within a \car, and ordered to abstain from hotting of any sort during tha whole term oi' bis' probation.