“SILVER” BETTING

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 75, 26 March 1923, Page 5

“SILVER” BETTING

BOOKMAKIXG IX STRATFORD. “FOOLISH YOUNG MAN” MULCTED IN £R). ELEVEN BETTORS FINED £25. EACH. Eric Beere was charged at today's sitting of the Court with having, between March Ist and 13th loitered in Broadway for the purpose of betting. Eleven men were also charged with having, between the same dates, made bets with Beere. None of the accused was represented by counsel and all pleaded guilty. Outlining the case, Sergeant Dale said Beere, who was employed at the Dairy Factory, was in the Club Hotel on March 12th and took a little too much liquor. For a joke one of his friends stole his book and threw it behind a door. There was some argument in the hotel yard and also later in the street. Next day he (Sergeant Dale) saw Beere and got his book from him. This book contained many entries and also a double chart on two events at the Opunake races. Beere interpreted all the entries, and when the parties were approached they owned up without trouble. All those charged with making bets were respectable citizens, hut Beere had previously been convicted on a charge of forging and uttering—another foolish prank while under the influence of liquor. Sergeant Dale then gave formal evidence of Beere being a bookmaker.

In reply to the Bench, Beere said he had nothing to say. Sergeant Dale said the police did not regard Beere as a professional bookmaker. He was just a foolish young man who hoped to get rich quick.

The S.M.; And probably find it me

long way round. Addressing Beere the Bench {Mr A. M. Mowlem S.M.) said that the law provided for a minimum fine of £2O and a maximum fine of £IOO, It might be true that the bets all made in shillings. A fine of £4O was imposed.

“As to you others”, said the Bench, “some of you are old enough to be this young fellow’s father, and you have no excuse to offer.” Perhaps, said the S.M., their only excuse was that it was unlawful to do as they had done. The law provided a heavy fine for those convicted of betting with a bookmaker, but it would be quite in order if each'defehdiahl was > *

sentenced to six’ months. There was nothing to prevent imprisonment being awarded. "I intend to make this a very dear bet for each of you” concluded his Worship, “you will each be convicted and fined £25.”