SHOWMAN FINED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22949, 29 January 1938, Page 18

SHOWMAN FINED

ILLEGAL GAME PLAYED POLICE VISIT TO MISSION BAY A showman, William John Gilbert, appeared on summons beforo Mr. C. R. Orr Walker, S.M., in tho Police Court yesterday, admitting a chargo of playing a game of ehanco known as "squares" on the Mission Bay amusement reserve on New Year's Day. Mr. Buisson appeared for defendant. Detective-Sergeant MoHugli explained the game, and said it was de« signed to extract money from'the young and foolish, who had little chance of winning. The game was controlled by tho defendant who could alter tho rules to suit himself. "Detectives saw children, whoso ages ranged from eight to 15 years rolling pennies on to the table, but at no time was anyono seen to win a prize," added Mr. McHugli. "Some weeks ago other showmen from tho same park were similarly charged and fined £5 each." Mr. Buisson said the game was the subject of a Court action in Victoria. It was thon hold that there was an element of skill in it. When defendant camo to Now Zealand he had no idea the game was illegal. "1 cannot see that tho game is anything else but pure chanco," said the magistrate, imposing a fine of £5 and costs, 10s.