INJURIOUS TO MORALS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume LVIII, Issue 12, 11 June 1926, Page 5

INJURIOUS TO MORALS

“ROLL DOWN” MEN FINED WELLINGTON DECISION. Per Proea Association. ;V-,. r WELLINGTON, June 10, Giving judgment in the “roll down” case against Bishop and Dawson, Mr Page, S.M., said that tests conducted showed an element of skill. He held that it was not a game of chance within the meaning of the ‘ Gaming Act. It was difficult to lay down a rule as to what degree of playing and wagering at a legitimate game would cause the premise to become a public nuisance. The game had attained some degree of popularity. There was no opportunity for cheating, and no assemblage of bad characters, and no nuisance or annoyance to adjoining premises, but the game had no Intrinsic merits. Its vogue was based solely upon' the gamble associated with it. ‘ view of the facts that a large hiimber ;y of devotees were children and yOlihg people, also that among the adults probably a number could fapt well afford the money wasted, also that the amount of play reached substantial dimensions and the game was a gamble, he thought it prejudlcal to’ the: morals of the participants, .and'held that the keeping of premises was illegal. ■Defendants were convicted and the Tine was fixed at £5 Is to enable appeal, security for which was fixed at £ls 15s.