SWEEPSTAKE AT RACES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20252, 11 May 1929, Page 13

SWEEPSTAKE AT RACES.

ELLERSLIE COURSE INCIDENT. MARRIED MAN FINED £2. "DID NOT DO IT FOR LOVE." A charge of having unlawfully conducted a lottery on the Ellerslie racecourse by holding a sweepstake, in which the whole of the sum collected was not paid to the winner, was preferred against Frank Stanley, married, in tho Police Court yesterday. There was no appearance of accused, who was charged on summons, but in a letter to the magistrate ho pleaded guilty. Stating he was married, with a family to suppoH, Stanley said ho committed the offence to get money to pay some debts. He had been out of w6rk but had now a promise of employment. "I had my doubts about this charge," said Chief-Detective Hammond. "I thought lie was a 'tote' bettor I saw him on tho course, but thoro was nothing to prove he had been 'tote' betting.

Tho Magistrate, Mr. F. K. Hunt: Oh, well, ho has been out of work apparently. Chief-Detective Hammond: Yes. But ho had £5 odd on him when tho detectives went to him.

The Magistrate: Yes. But ho is only charged with holding a sweepstake.

Mr. Hammond said accused did not do that for love. He kept commission out of it for himself. That was tho offence. "A fine of £5 will meet tho case," he said.

Tho Magistrate: I think £2 will be sufficient.

Accordingly accused was fined £2 and costs.