RACING INTELLIGENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18411, 29 May 1923, Page 8

RACING INTELLIGENCE.

LEGISLATIVE RESTRICTION. CASE BROUGHT INTO COURT. [BY TELEGRAPH.PRESS ASSOCIATION.] PALMERSTON NORTH. Monday. In the Magistrate's Court, Robert Billins, editor and publisher of the Manawatu Daily Timesf was charged that on March 31 he published a sporting article which contained advice as to the probable result of a horse race, to wit, the Halcombe Welter, a race run at the Feilding Racing Club's Easter meeting on March 31, such advice being in the following words: "It is just probable Snatcher will be reserved for the Halcombe Welter, in which race he will be accorded liberal support. ' He is very well, and will need to be to stave off the efforts of Lockson and Big Push." Seven other similar informations dealing with other races at the meeting were also preferred. Detective-Sergeant Quirke stated that the information was laid under section 30 of the Gaming Act. .Detective Holmes said he called on defendant on March 24 last and informed him that he had instructions to warn editors about observing the section of the Act quoted. Defendant read throtigh the section, and asked how far he could go without committing an offence. Witness replied that he would not answer the question. Defendant undertook to give instructions to his sporting writer. On March 31 witness and Detective-Sergeant Quirke again called on defendant, who was out. Both officers bought copies of the paper, and told the man in charge that legal opinion would be obtained on the legality of the sporting comment. Witness attended the races. Of 16 horses mentioned in the article 12 started, and there were two firsts, three seconds, and two thirds, five being unplaced. He considered the article contained information worth following. - For the defence it was stated that in order to forecast the result of a race it would be necessary to mention the winners and the third horse. It was contended that the Act implied tio offence unless the first three horses were mentioned previously. The magistrate reserved his decision. !