HAZARDS ON THE WHARF

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 145, 25 July 1914, Page 12

HAZARDS ON THE WHARF

UNDESIRABLE PEOPLE. Press Association. WELLINGTON, July 24. "I am determined to get rid of the iuidesirable3 on the waterfront," said Inspector Hendry to-day when Bert Murray was charged with being a rogue and a vagabond in that he played a game of chance, namely hazards, on Waterloo Quay last Tuesday. Murray pleaded not guilty and was represented by Mr J. F. Dickson. Mr D. G. A. Cooper, S.M., was on the Bench. According to Inspector Hendry, the defendant with a number of others was seen playing for money with-dice. Defendant was a nuisance on the waterfront and made his living by gambling. Previously in similar cases small fines had been imposed and the men had gone back to the wharf and recommenced gambling. The inspector asked, if the case was proved, for a substantial term of imprisonment. He was determined that the waterfront should be cleared of the undesirable element.

His Worship commented on the fact that it was very hard to secure those men who played games of chance on the wharf, because they always had scouts looking for the police. Murray had been warned frequently. Gambling on the waterfront had to be stopped. He would impose a fine of £lO with the alternative of three months' in goal.