SWEEPSTAKE RAID

Taranaki Daily News, 13 April 1935, Page 7

SWEEPSTAKE RAID

PROMOTER TO PAY £5O FINE. “MILD FORM OF GAMBLING.” By Telegraph—Press Association. Te Aroha, April 12. A case arising out of a police raid on February 22 at the Masonic Hall when an alleged Calcutta sweepstake was being held, was heard to-day before Mr. F. H. Levien, S.M. Thomas Stanley Wyllie, clerk, Te Puke, was charged with using the Masonic Hall, Te Aroha, as a common gaming house and Samuel , Wilson, auctioneer, Te Aroha, with assisting in the proceedings. Inspector Thompson stated that on February 22 the police raided the Masonic Hall, where a Calcutta sweep was being conducted. Over £lOO was on the table, which was taken, and one horse engaged in the champion hack race was auctioned for £2B. Counsel for Wyllie submitted that Calcutta sweeps had long been, held in different parts of New Zealand. The proceedings were the outcome of a sporting gathering held in Te Aroha during the annual race week, when a mild form of gambling was indulged in by • the sportsmen assembled. No warning whatever had been received of the illegality of the sweep. Counsel said that Wilson only acted as auctioneer to oblige the assembled sportsmen. Wilson acted in ignorance of the law on the subject. Wyllie was fined £2O and costs and Wilson £5 and costa