“A COMMON PRACTICE”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 25 May 1945, Page 2

“A COMMON PRACTICE”

GAMES OF CHANCE TO RAISE FUNDS In the Magistrate's Court this morning Joseph Richmond (Mr J. H. Ralfe) pleaded guilty to a charge that at Takaka he did play by way of gaming in a public place, the Catholic Church grounds, with an instrument of gaming, to wit a spinning wheel, at a game of chance., Detective-Sergeant F. Hayhurst told the court that on the date in question there was a gala in the Catholic grounds at Takaka. Defendant went along to assist and found the game there and commenced to play it. Defendant did net receive anything for himself, the money being for convent funds. The matter was brought to the notice of the police by letter. Replying to the Magistrate. Mr T. E. Maunsell. the detective said that the game was part of some gear in the storeroom ol the church which had been brought out. It was not a bad case and he had not been instructed to ask lor a heavy penalty. This function was for the purpose ol raising funds for the Catholic school, said Mr Raile. The zeal of many to raise money probably induced all sorts of games to be indulged in. Asked who was in charge, Mr Ralfe replied -that it was pfobably a committee. It was a common practice to use such games fa raising .-money-far- patriotic tunds and charity. 'Zltie -defendant was ignorant of any <Jaej3ce*7::;. Remarking that it W.^£sff.73£CTeditable way of raising ship imposed a fine of costs.