FINE OF £25 FOR BOOKMAKING

Southland Times, Issue 23394, 29 December 1937, Page 2

FINE OF £25 FOR BOOKMAKING

LABOURER SEARCHED ON AWAPUNI COURSE (United Press Association) PALMERSTON NORTH, Dec. 28. Appearing before Justices of the Peace in the Magistrate’s Court today, Robert Jules de Cleene, a labourer, aged 40, pleaded guilty to a charge of carrying on the business of a bookmaker at the Awapuni course yesterday. Detective-Sergeant Meiklejohn said that defendant was seen on the outside stand where a number of people approached him and he made entries on slips. Subsequently Detective Bayliss had no' difficulty in-laying a five-shil-ling bet on Sunee in the Cup race. When searched, defendant had in his possession betting slips with a number of entries and £lB 11/7 in money. Detective Meiklejohn added that six years ago de Cleene had been found in possession of betting slips at Feilding and was warned off though not prosecuted. Last New Year he was seen operating on the Marton course and warned off. He had been removed from other meetings for a similar reason and appeared to have had quite a good spin. Defendant was a shearer by occupation an'd apparently went to Awapuni to “shear punters.” The bench: You are liable to a fine of £5OO or two years’ imprisonment. Defendant: Two years would be tough. A fine of £25 was imposed.