THE GAMING ACT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18874, 29 May 1923, Page 3

THE GAMING ACT.

CHARGE AGAINST NEWSPAPER EDITOR. (Psb United Press Association.) PALMERSTON NORTH. May 28. At the Magistrate’s Court to-day Robert Hewitt Billeno, editor and publisher of the Manawatu Daily Times, was charged that on March 51 he published a sporting article which contained advice as to the probable result of a horse race, to wit, the Haleombe Welter Race, run at the Fcilding Racing Club’s winter meeting on March 51, such advice being in the following Words:—“lt is just probable that Snatcher will be reserved for the Haleombe Welter, in which case he will be accorded liberal support. Ho is very well, and will need to be to stave off the efforts of Lockson and Big Push.” Seven other similar informations dealing with other races at the meeting were preferred. Detective-sergeant Quirke, for the police, slated that the information was laid under section 30 of the Gaming Act. Detective Holmes deposed to calling on defendant on March 24 last and informing him that he had instructions to warn editors about observing this section of the Act. Defendant read through the section and asked how far he could go without committing an offence. Witness replied that he could not answer questions. Defendant undertook to give instructions to his sporting writer. On March 31 witness and Detective-sergeant Quirke again called on defendant, who was out. Both officers bought copies of the paper and_ told the man in charge that a legal opinion would be obtained on the legality of the sporting comments. Witness attended the races. Of 16 horses mentioned in the article 12 started, and there were two firsts, three seconds, and two thirds, five being unplaced. Ho considered that the article contained information worth following. For the defence it was stated that in order to forecast the result of a race it was necessary to mention the winners and the third horse. It was contended that the Act implied no offence unless the first three horses were mentioned previously. The magistrate reserved his decision.