MINT MACHINES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 13 October 1932, Page 8

MINT MACHINES

LEGALITY QUESTIONED

(By Telegraph—Press Association}

AUCKLAND, 11th October. „ Whether the mint vending or “fruit” machines which have been operated in several tobacconists’ shops in Auckland are games of chance, and whether the premises in which they are operated may be termed common gaminghouses, were questions argued by counsel before Mr E. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Police Court. , when Eric Phillip Goldsboro, aged thirty-one years, a tobacconist, was charged that, being the occupier of a shop in Newmarket, he kept the premises as a common gaminghouse. The prosecution contended that success in obtaining sweets from the machines was luck, and not skill, while the defence contended that skill was necessary. “I am told that so much money is involved in those machines that the question will be taken to the Supreme Court, whatever my decision will he, said the Magistrate. “Similar cases have twice been before the Courts in New Zealand and on both occasions the Magistrates have considered the machines games of chance. I have heard the evidence, seen the machines and have seen so-called experts using the machines, and I am satisfied they are games of chance.” Defendant was fined £5 10s. Security for appeal was fixed.