TWO-UP SCHOOL RAIDED.

Otago Witness, Issue 3860, 6 March 1928, Page 76

TWO-UP SCHOOL RAIDED.

FIVE OUT OF ELEVEN CAUGHT. CHRISTCHURCH, Marth 1. As a sequel to a raid by the police on a “ two-up ” school at Sockburn on a recent Sunday, fi Ve of the gamblers, who were unlucky enough to be caught, while the others escaped, were charged before Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., to-day, with playmg a game of chance. The case against Thomas Denny was dismissed, but Thomas Clarkson, who was stated to be in charge of affairs, was fined £5 and costs. Thomas Brightmore, James Murphy, and Arthur Olson were each fined £3 and costs. Constable Murphy said there were 11 men at the place, but only fiv e were caught. All except Denny bolted when the police arrived. Witness had watched the game for from 10 to 15 minutes. Clarkson was tossing the coin and the others were standing in a ring. The place was a railway reserve, within 100yds of Stock road, and quite open to view. Only one penny had been found at the place. The school had been going for a considerable time. Senior Sergeant Lewis: Was any property left behind? Witness: They left four bicycles, which have not yet been claimed. The Magistrate: Was Denny in the charmed circle? Witness: Yes ; but I understand he was not playing. The Magistrate dismissed the charge against Denny. “ What do you know of these men?” asked Mr Mosley. Senior Sergeant Lewis s aid" that Clarkson seemed to be the leader of the school, and was spoken of as a bookmaker’s tout. He was not well thought of in the district. He did not know the others, who were working men living in Sydenham or Addington. The magistrate then imposed the fines.