FASHIONABLE GAMBLERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17352, 17 May 1924, Page 2

FASHIONABLE GAMBLERS.

“ THE CREAM OF SOCIETY.” I,ONDON, May 1. An Australian, Majoi Robert Kerr, D. 5.0., 0.8. E., was fined £IOO at Bow Street Court for conducting; chemin-de-fer gambling in a flat, which he had rented in Southampton Street, Strand, for £33 monthly. The police stated in evidence that Major Kerr bribed, a constable, who was ignominoua y dismissed, and offered a serge Lit urd u constable £lO a week, provided the flat was not raidMajor Kerr, .added the polios, pleaded to be all iwed to continue. He declared that he bad lost thousand's and wanted to get bin money back. Ho said that he had a following, including a duke, an earl, one of the heads of Australia House, and the cream of society. He Lad just met a bookmaker who promised to introduce many players to him. Major Kerr, indicating one of the visitors, said, “He has got £SOOO hard cash in bis pockets. He is a good punter ,J He added that everything was fair, and there were no marked caidc. Counsel said that Major Kerr joined the Australian forces in 1914, and was mentioned in despatches six times. Since demob'.ilsation he had engaged in a theatrical film business, and believed that there wcu> no harm in running a private t srd party. Major Kerr's assistant was fined £lO. Other players were discharged. Sir Joseph Cook, Australian High Commissioner, stated that he -was unaware of the identity of the Australian official mentioned, and humorously commented : “If a head of Australia House was present they certainly had the cream of society.”