“HEADING THEM”

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6493, 13 April 1908, Page 5

“HEADING THEM”

A TWO-UP SCHOOL RAIDED. THE COUP OF TWO CONSTABLES. Despite efforts made by the police :n the past ia suppressing the übiquitous persons demoralised by tho fascination of two-up, it has been well known to some people that “schools” have been operating in various parts of tho city for some time past. Those who participated in the questionable pleasures of the game had sufficient sense to keep their movements dark and they were always on tho alert to cope with any step taken by The police towards their apprehension, lliero is, however, always a day of reckoning in these things, and a band of about forty men of various ages and classes aro not now feeling so happy as they were when" they commenced to “head W’ yesterday morning at Wadest-own. The existence of the “school” had been Tinown to tho police for some time past, and also to residents of Wadcstown, who resented the quietness oT TTioir picturesque suburb being 'disturbed on Sundays by those who joined the school winch tho fraternity established there with a certain amount

impunity and security. The locale of the gathering was on a portion of tho Rhodes estate overlooking ICarori ad, and was decided upon with all that inherent shrewdness which those who indulge in the game are supposed to possess. A selito of security was given to the players by tho fact “that whereas they could carry on play without being seen it was a very difficult matter for any person to approach them without coming under observation while yet a considerable distance off.

Tho promoters of the “school,” however, forgot or evidently did not recognise that there are means of getting over such a difficulty and consequently fell into tho net set for them by the .police. Recognising the futility of approaching tho place with successful results when play was in progress two of the force—Constables Heffernan and Mullooly—repaired to V/adcstown before “school went in" yesterday, and with the aid of seme judiciously placed scrub planted theinbolvoj where they could witness the proceedings without knowledge of the players.

The policemen’s methods were rewarded with success. They had been in hiding for some time when the devotees began to assemble, and it was not long before play had commenced. The constables remained hidden until they had got the names of most of the prominent players and witnessed the method of procedure, and they then caused a scatter in the ranks by bursting suddenly upon the ring. The police are reticent as to vhat actually was tho result of the constables’ effort, but it is undcrsfciaJ that sufficient evidence was obtained to justify charges being preferred against some of those who were in the congregation. It was not disclosed whether the kip and other paraphernalia with which tho game is carried on was captured. No arrests were made, but more will probably be heard of the affair at the Felice Court during the week.