LAYING TOTALISATOR ODDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2437, 28 November 1900, Page 40

LAYING TOTALISATOR ODDS.

At Christchurch on the 20th inst. Walter Symes^was charged with laying totalisator odds. Evidence was given by two constables. Mr Beetham pointed out that the constables were liable to three months' imprisonment for their action. "Sub-inspector Black said thafc some stich cases had been brought up, but 'had been dismissed. Accused was fined £5. Richard Oxenham was charged with having, at Plumpton Park, laid totalisator odds. Richard Trueman was called. Mr Beetham. said he thought it only fair to point out to witness that he would be liable to three months' imprisonment for taking totalisator odds, so that he had better not incriminate himself. Sub-inapector Black, however, held that section 31 of the Gaming Act would protect the witness. Mr Beetham, after studying the act, said it was rather a difficult point; to decide off-hand, but lie believed the witness would have no indemnification, and would be liable -to prosecution by anyone on his own. evidence. The examination of the witness then proceeded, but as he refused to say anything about betting he was soon removed from the box. , Evidence was given by a constable, but defendant, who swore that ha accepted Trueman's money only to make part of an investment which he. and others had on. the totalisator, was dismissed. Charies Petersen, convicted of laying totalisator oads at Plumpton, was fined £5.