PLAYING "TWO-UP."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14235, 4 December 1909, Page 5

PLAYING "TWO-UP."

FINES IN THE POLICE COURT. Six men—Alfred Collins, Win. Powlcy, Malcolm McKenzie, Jas. Lindsay, Walter Preston, and Jas. Benton—woro charged at the Police- Court yesterday with playing a game of chance in a public place, namely, near the railway station. The gam© in question is that known as " two-up." Tho first four pleaded guilty, and Mr. R. W. Hill, on their behalf, pleaded for leniency, saying that tho New Zealand law was unjust, as it made a serious offence of gaming in a public place, at the same time licensing gambling. He contended that tho men, who were carriers, were only passing the time, and did not encourage others to join them. Tho magistrate said it did not concern him whether the law was good or bad, but ho would take into consideration that the men did not induce others to join them. Ho would fine Collins and Powley, who were convicted previously of a similar offence, £5 each, or imprisonment for one month, and McKenzie and Lindsay £2, or a fortnight's imprisonment. Preston and Benton pleaded not guilty, and the hearing of the charges against them was adjourned till next Friday.