THE GAMBLING EVIL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14439, 4 February 1909, Page 5

THE GAMBLING EVIL.

VOUTH YIELDS TO TEMPTATION. (From Oeit Owx Corresmndext.) AUCKLAND, February 2. A sad example of (he results of the fascination tor gambling which so frequently swamps the youthful mind was apparent at this morning's sitting of the Police Court, where a well-dressed lad of 18 years, named .James Oossett. appeared to answer a number of charges of having misappropriated various sums belonging to his employers. The charges against the accused were of stealing the following amounts Horn his employers. Messrs Heather, Roberton, and Co.:—Aligns! 28. 1907. £17 10s; September 25. £19 10s; January 3. 1908. £17 10s; April 9. £28: July 6. £28; October 26. m 2s 6d: and January 14, 1909, £45 15s. Chief Detective Marsack prosecuted, and Mr Prendergast defended. A. B. .Roberton. a partner in the firm of Heather, ltoberton, and Co.. deposed that the accused had been employed in the firm as Customs clerk, it being part of his duties to make out the Customs entries. \\ hen the firm required its stores it withdrew them from Firth's bond, where the.goods were stored bv the (inn. In August. 1007, the accused was given a cheque for £96 to pay the Customs duties on a quantity of goods, and Oil September 23, 1907,' another ehequo lot xilos was given in the same wav. Oil January 3, 1903, a cheque for £151 18s was given; on April 3, 1808, one for £151 18s; ou April 9. 1908, one for £4J 16s 9d ; Oil July 6. 1903. one for £20 19s 6d; on October 26, one for £119 lfo; and on January 14, 1909, one for £120 16s. Witness had made inquiries from the Customs Department, with regard to the hist amount, and had found a shortage,of £43 15s. lie interviewed the accused as to the balance, and Gossetl admitted having the money at home. Accused afterwards proceeded home, and brought the £43 back. The other Customs entries referred to were also examined, and showed reductions. The total amount of the shortages was £180 8s 6d, 'of which the £43 15s had been recovered. I

To Mr Prendergast-: The boy was well behaved, and attended to his duties. He was 18 years old.

To Mr Kettle ; Witness had reason to suppose that the lad had been gambling the money by bookmaking on a small scale.

Detective Millar produced a written statement, by the accused to the effect that he admitted the offence. The accused had in conversation with witness stated that he had spent the money backing horses. Witness knew nothing previously against the boy's character. Mr Kettle ; Was it spent on the totalisaior? Witness: I could not say. Mr Marsack : l'robablv the bookmakers have some of it too. The accused intimated that he had nothing to say, and was thereupon committed lor sentence at the Supreme Court.