GAMBLERS STRANDED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26228, 12 August 1946, Page 5

GAMBLERS STRANDED

LUXURY OCEAN CASINO

POUCE IMPOUND BOATS LOS ANGELES, Aug. 9. More than 10,000 patrons were stranded on board the gambling ship, the Bunker Hill, when the police arrested taxi pilots plying to the vessel, and charged them with soliciting gambling patronage. Earlier, the promoter, Tony Cornero, and four associates, were charged with conspiracy and unlawfully conducting a lottery and gambling games. They were subsequently released on bail of 2000 dollars eafch. Officials asked Cornero to permit water taxis to remove the stranded patrons. He refused, saying: “You impounded our boats; therefore you must get the patrons off.” The city prosecutor then asked for coast guards’ assistance in removing them, giving preference to those who were ill. There is plenty of food on board", but a lack of chairs. Some patrons dozed standing up. Cornero declared that he will contest the case on the grounds that the ship is on the high seas, and not in Californian waters.

A Los Angeles message dated August 7, stated: Claiming that a gambling ship anchored eight miles offshore is outside United States jurisdiction, Tony Cornero opened a so-called luxury gambling ship, the Bunker Hill, to roaring trade. Water taxis, carrying 60 persons each, plied from the shore ceaselessly all night. Fully 3000 cars lined up at 7 p.m. at Long Beach, and fully 2000 persons, eight abreast waited an average of 90 minutes to board the water taxis. After a choppy hour’s ride the patrons, including police, climbed aboard the Bunker Hill, and saw plenty of gambling devises stretching 300 ft along the main saloon. Money circulated freely. The police’ did not interfere, but the District Attorney said action will be taken.