FASHIONABLE GAMBLERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18708, 14 May 1924, Page 9

FASHIONABLE GAMBLERS.

THE CREAM OF SOCIETY!." LONDON. May 1. An Australian, Major Robert Kerr D.5.0., 0.8. E., was. fined £100 at Bow Street Court for conducting chemin-de-fer gambling in a flat, which he had rented in Southampton Street, Strand lor £33 - monthly. I : The police stated in evidence , that Major Kerr bribed a constable, who was ignominiously dismissed, and offered a sergeant and a constable £10 a week, provided the flat . was not raided. - A . Major Kerr, added the police, pleaded to be allowed to continue. He declared i that he had lost thousands and wanted jto get his money back. He said 'hat Ihe had a good following, . including a duke, an' earl, one of the heads oi Australia House, and' the " cream oi society. He had just met , a bookmaker, who promised to introduce many players to him. < Major Kerr, indicating one of the visitors, said, "He has got £500 C hard = cash in ■ his pockets. He is a trood punter." He added that everything was fair, and there were no marked cards, v Counsel said that Major Kerr joined the Australian forces in. 1914, and was mentioned in despatches six times. . Sin<*e demobilisation he had engaged in a theatrical film business, and believed that there was no harm in running a private card party. '' ' , Major.. Kerr's, assistant was fined £10. Other players were discharged. ; Sir Joseph Cook, Australian, High Commissioner, stated that he was unaware of the identity of the Australian official mentioned, and humorously commented: "If a head of Australia House was present they certainly had the cream of 'society." »•* • * '