BETTING IN HOTELS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16597, 21 July 1917, Page 8

BETTING IN HOTELS.

TWO BOOKMAKERS FINED.

PENALTIES TOTAL £375.

Fines totalling £375 were imposed upon two bookmakers by Mr. F. V. Frazer, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday. Gilbert Walker (Mr. Moody) was charged that being a bookmaker he made bets in the Metropolitan Hotel on July 10, 11, and 14. He pleaded not guilty.

Constable W. Nield said after seeing accused make about 10 bets in the bar of the hotel on July 10, he was introduced to him. He asked accused for two doubles, which were taken. Witness asked for a ticket, but defendant said tickets were too dangerous. Witness then said it' he was not to pet a ticket he would cry off the bet. The next morning he returned and asked if the double was still open. Defendant said it was, and the money was taken. The witness saw other bets made previously. Defendant entered the transaction in a book which lie got from the barmaid, and told him to be careful, as " there were some — (meaning the police) about." On July 14 witness made a fur-u.-'r bet with defendant, and also saw i .her bets made. Counsel was pressing witness as to who had introduced witness to defendant, but the magistrate said the question had no bearing on the case. Detective Cummings deposed to arresting accused. Defendant did not give evidence. Chief-Detective McMahon said defendant was regarded as being in a larger way of business than the men before the Court earlier in the week.

Defendant was fined £100 on one charge and £50 on each of the others. The costs were 21s, and defendant, who was stated to have been drawn in the ballot, was allowed a week to pay the fine.

John Weston (Mr. Moody) was then charged that being a bookmaker he made bets in the British Hotel on July 12, 13, and 14. He pleaded not guilty. Constable Nield said he visited the British Hotel on July 12 and made beta with defendant, who gave him a card. The next day witness was in the bar when defendant said one of the horses had not started and gave him 10s back. The following day witness made another bet with defendant.

Mr. McMahon pointed out defendant had been previously fined £100 for betting. His Worship said there was no evidence of betting on July 13. and defendant's honesty was shown by the fact that he returned" 10% on that date to the constable without being asked for it. The charge relating to July 13 would be dismissed. Defendant would be fined £100 on one charge and £75 on the other. Defendant was allowed a month in which to pay the fine.