GAMING CHARGES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21223, 1 July 1932, Page 16

GAMING CHARGES.

Set made with constable.

IRONMONGER PROSECUTED

MAGISTRATE RESERVES DECISION

An allegation that he had published a double chart in connection with the Auckland Trotting Club's meeting at Alexandra Park, Epsom, last Saturday, was denied by Jonathan Gill, aged 47, ironmonger, in the Police Court yesterday. A further charge of carrying on the business of a bookmaker previously preferred against accused was withdrawn. Constable Johnson said that on June 23 he telephoned to accused and asked if he could make a bet. Witness told accused that he had recently arrived from Wa : hi and had been recommended to accused by Mr. Phillips, of Waikino. As a result of this conversation witness met accused later that day and took a double from him At £2O to 10s on Colorado and Real Girl. The transaction, for which no acknowledgment was given, Was' mado in a ciTy hotel. "On the following day I met accused again," continued witness. "He told nte ho had received word from Phillips to the effect that I had joined the police force about three months ago. He handed back to me my 10s note and declined to do any more betting with me unless I signed a document saying that I was not connected with the police." - Detective Nalder said that on June 24, in company with Detective Bowmah, lie executed a warrant on accused in Queon Street. "He drove us to tho police station in his car," said witness. "He told us he was nearly broke and that he hiid only his car, which was mortgaged, and about £1 besides. I remarked, 'You gbee good odds for a man who is broke,' and he replied, 'That is nothing to do wiijli it.' Witness said accused , had been bookmaking for several years. When arrested he had in his possession a telegram from Phillips referring to Constable Johnson having joined the police force, and a double chart with his private sign on it. Counsel for the Defence: How do yOiu know it is his sign ? Have you ever doi;ie business with him ?

Witness: I know it is his sign becauue of dealings with other bookmakers a»id also because Gill admitted the chart was his.

The Magistrate, Mr. F. K. Hunt (to counsel): All bookmakers with printed double charts have their own particular signs on them. We know them all. (Laughter.) It was submitted by counsel that the charge should be dismissed as there >VAs no evidence to show that the chart had been exhibited to more than one person or that it had been made by or on behalf of accused. Giving a document to one person could not be considered publication. ,•

Detective-Sergeant Kelly said the chart was handed to the constable in a public place, a city hotel. He contended that this being so the chart had been published. Judgment was reserved.

DOUBLE CHART PUBLISHED.

YOUNG MAN FINED £2 10s.

A charge of publishing a double chart "was admitted by a young man, George Morman, in the Police Court yesterday., Detective-Sergeant Kelly said that last Saturday, at Alexandra Park, Epsom, Detective Brady and Racecourse Inspector Cullen saw three men perusing a double chart. When interviewed 5 accused admitted that the chart was his. Only five small bets were shown on the chart. Counsel for the defence said the chart was/ a home-made che. , Accused had dealings with one or two friends, but took ino bets last Saturday. He was in a very *mall way and had been very frank to the police.

A fine of £2 10s and costs, 10s, was imposed by, the magistrate, Mr. F, K. Hunt.