THE GAMBLING GRAZE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10838, 2 March 1921, Page 4

THE GAMBLING GRAZE

ILIICIT BETTIHC AUCKLAND DETECTIVES MAKE) A HAI L. MOTOR-CAR AND FRUIT SHOP. PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, March 1. Setting out on the trail of suspected bookmakers yesterday afternoon. De-tective-Sergeant Hammond and Detective Sullivan marked down a motorcar standing in Shortland street and a man adjacent thereto, as likely subjects for investigation in view of the variety of outward forms taken by modern bookmaking in New Zealand. Consequently both the man, Cprnelius McDevitt, aged 33, and the motor-car were taken into custody and submitted to an examination that resulted in McDevitt’s arrest on a charge of carrying on the illicit business of bookmaking. Immediately afterwards the detective® hastened to a fruit shop at Svmonds street, and there took charge of an employee named Charles Lawson. aged 54. “LOOK OUT, CHARLIE!” A ring at the shop telephone took Detective Hammond to the machine at thisl stage. “That you, Charlie?” inquired a voice over the wire. “Yes,” responded -the detective, in fruity voice. “Right-o. £1 on Infante, and, if funds, £1 on Nunerrant,” ordered the voice, adding, “Look out, Charlie; there’s a scare on, and Con McDevitt’s pinched.” The detective concluded to spread the scare, so he replied: “Yes, Charlie’s pinched, too, and you will be pinched presently.” Lawson came before Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., this morning, charged that he carried on business as a bookmaker, and that he kept No. 225, Symonds street, lor the purpose of gaming within the meaning of the Gaming Act. He stated that he did not quite appreciate the position, as he had been informed that the charge of keeping a gaming-house was to be withdrawn. The chief-deiective: If he admits being a bookmaker, I shall not go on now with the other charge, and will report the matter to my superior officers. His Worship: Are both the charges on the same facts? —-Yes, sir. “In that event,”- explained His Worship to the defendant, ‘Rhe police are not likely to proceed with the second charge if they get a conviction on the other; they never do.” Defendant: If they miss you on one of the swings, they catch you on the round-about. Defendant pleaded guilty, electing not to go to the Supreme Court, and Detective Hammond detailed the circumstances of arrest, and of conversation on the telephone. A SUBSTANTIAL FINE. Defendant stated he did not own or lease the fruit-shop, but was employed there, and had been employed thore about fourteen years. He had now lost bis employment. He said he was 55 years of age, and had no means. The magistrate convicted the defendant, and fined him £2OO, in default six months’ imprisonment, but allowed him twenty-one daya in which to find the money. McDEVITT FOR SUPREME COURT. Cornelius McDevitt pleaded not guilty to a charge of carrying on business as a bookmaker, and elected to go to the Supreme Court for trial. He was remanded on bail for a week.