ILLEGAL BETTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11282, 9 January 1915, Page 11

ILLEGAL BETTING.

HEAVY FINES IMPOSED. At the Magistrate's Court this morning, before Air H. W. Bishop. S.M., Edgar Nente and George Deighton, for whom Mr Cossidy , appeared, -were*' charged with that, being bookmakers, they made a. bet in Cathedral Square on December 29. Mr Cnssidy said that Xente would! plead guilty, but contended that as Deighton had only acted as clerk im the transaction he was not within th<* scope of section 2 of the Act, which; aimed only at the principal. The Magistrate said that in his opinion both the accused were liable. Ha felt inclined to fine ■Nente. £IOO 'ana costs. Oil Neate's next appearance on stioh a, charge he would bo sent to gaol " without the option." Mr Cassidy submitted that this was Neate's. first offonce under section 'J. and he; could not therefor© be "consider-ed-lUbJe to imprisonment. ■ ■ Mr Bishop said this might bo Neate's first ■ offfince under" this particular section, but he had been fined £SO twie<3 previously on .sihiilar charges, and \here were altogether five previous convictions against him. He would not impose the full penalty, however. Nente' would be fined £7-5 and costs, and Deighton would be fined £2O and costs-.