SHOWMEN IN COURT

Taranaki Daily News, 24 June 1931, Page 16

SHOWMEN IN COURT

GAME OF BALL AND PINS. TWO PROSECUTIONS. Palmerston North, June 22. Two showmen were concerned in prosecutions for breaches of the Gaming Act, following incidents at the recent Manawatu Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s show. In the Police Court yesterday, before Mr. J. L. Stout, S.M., a -fine of £lO was imposed on Roy Charles Montgomery, a showman, aged, 43 years. It was alleged that accused played by way of wagering with a table and pins at the show grounds on Friday. Time to pay was refused, while the default was fixed at one month’s imprisonment. Detective Russesll said a young man at the show was invited by the accused to try the game. On liis first try he was successful, and accused then wagered him £5 to £2 that he could not repeat his success. Accused won. Another wager of £lO to £4 was made, and again the accused won. Subsequently the young man met a friend and later had told, the police of the incident. Accused had afterwards paid back the £6. James Alexander Lockyear, a. hawker, aged 27 years, was charged this morning with playing a game of wager at the show grounds with a ball and pins. R. K. Leicester said thart he was at the show grounds on Saturday, when a man came up and spoke to him. Another man, accused, came along with a gold watch in his hand and asked him to go to his stall. Accused told him that if he put down 10s. and knocked down the three pins he would be given the watch or its value. Witness lost. Accused, continued witness, then suggested that he put down 255., and if he knocked down the pegs he woud get £is. Accused agaip won. Witness later informed the police, and when accused was accosted he denied being on the show grounds. He gave witness his money back. Mr. Ongley, who appeared for accused, submitted that there was no breach of the Gaming Act proved. His Worship reserved his decision.