GAMBLING PROBLEM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22231, 4 October 1935, Page 15

GAMBLING PROBLEM

BOOKMAKERS AND BETTORS GAMING HOUSE CONVICTION THREE WEEKS* IMPRISONMENT [ry telegraph—own correspondent] ROTORUA, Thursday Some aspects of the gambling problem were commented upon by Mr. S. L. Paterson, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court when convicting Hori Mau, of Kotorua, with permitting his dwelling house to be used as a common gaming house. Mau was also charged with carrying on business as a bookmaker, but this charge was withdrawn by the police tfn accused pleading guilty to the minor charge. "It is quite true that there is a large section of the public who encourage bookmaking and gaming houses, but nevertheless the practices of bookmaking and keeping gaming houses are offences against our law," said Mr. Paterson. "I do not suppose will be successful in stopping bookmaking until those who frequent bookmakers are themselves brought before the Court." Addressing the defendant, the magistrate said: —"I cannot close my eyes to the fact that during the past eight years, and perhaps longer, you have been carrying on this business. You have been substantially fined, and you must have found it a profitable business to still carry on. "It is my duty to administer the law and it appears that these fines, which included t)ie maximum penalty under the Act, have not proved a particular deterrent. You appear to be one of the bigger men who employ agents, and in this case I can only come to the conclusion that you should be sentenced to a term of imprisonment as a deterrent. You will be convicted and sentenced to 21 days' imprisonment in the Rotorua gaol." _____