RAID ON HOUSE BY POLICE

Southland Times, Issue 23346, 2 November 1937, Page 12

RAID ON HOUSE BY POLICE

CHARGE OF OBSTRUCTION (United Press Association) WHANGAREI, November 1. An echo of the recent raid on alleged gaming houses when seven, men were fined totals amounting to nearly £270 was heard in the Magistrate’s Court today when Percy William Everett was charged that in order to enable Charles Thomas Arthur Clark to avoid detection he gave Clark warning of the constables’ approach: Detective Finlay claimed that there had been obstruction as when the police arrived at Clark’s house Clark had got rid of the recent betting material, though telephone bets were received. It was alleged that Everett had rung Clark’s house telling him the police had raided his shop. A detective stated in evidence that Everett, when interviewed, admitted ringing Clark and telling him the police had gone into his shop, but denied telling Clark there was a raid on. Answering Mr R. K. Trimmer, appearing for Everett, the detective admitted he had no evidence that Everett told Clark the police were going up to Clark’s house. Witness added that both Clark and Everett were quickwitted and the action of obstruction was brought on that. Mr G. N. Morris, S.M., asked what evidence had been brought to show that Everett knew that Clark was conducting a business at his home, and added that that fact ought to be proved beyond the fact that Everett and Clark were friendly. On the application of Mr Trimmer the hearing was adjourned for legal argument.