BOOKMAKERS LAW.

Patea Mail, Volume XII, Issue 52, 29 May 1899, Page 2

BOOKMAKERS LAW.

The latest issue of Lloyd’s Weekly to hand says : Bookmakers, who have just been relieved by the solemn decision of the Lords that a race course is not “ a place,” have now found a magistrate to enlighten them as to how they may dodge the law against betting in the streets. No fewer than fourteen of the craft have been charged at Worship street police court during the week for the latter offence, and have paid upwards of forty pounds in fines. On Saturday three were up. Two pleaded “ Guilty,” and paid the usual five pounds and costs, without a murmur. The third was also, no doubt, under the impression that he too, was pleading guilty when lie said “Yes; I was with one man and took a slip from him.” This gave Mr Olucr his chance to show the “bookies” how the law may be done. “You must ‘ assemble ’ with two or more for the offence to be complete ” said the magistrate. Then a detective stopped into tire Avituessbox, and said defendant Avas Avith two persons, and he saw him take a slip from one of them, 110 could not say he suav the other hand the bookmaker anything. The defendant had 25 betting cards and a large sum of money upon him. Thereupon Mr Cluer said suck evidence avus insufficient to prove the offence, and in discharging the lucky “pencillor” told him, “You may ' go, on meeting one man at a time all dav, and you will not be liable.”