PRINCIPLE OF LOTTERIES IS A VICIOUS ONE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17882, 25 June 1926, Page 5

PRINCIPLE OF LOTTERIES IS A VICIOUS ONE.

MAGISTRATE PROMISES HEAVIER PENALTIES. (Special to the “ Star. ”) AUCKLAND, June 25. Cases were brought to-day against Alfred Henry Burrage and Robert Burns, the former being charged with selling Detective White a packet containing a ticket which gave permission to have an interest in a scheme by which prizes were gained by a mode chance; while Burns was charged with disposing of personal property, toilet soap, to Detective Hobbs by chance and by sale of a surprise packet. Air R. M’Veagh appeared for both defendants, and in the case of Burrage asked that the facts be adduced, as he would defend the charge against Burns. Detective White stated that he purchased a surprise packet from Burrage on Civic Square and found upon opening it that he was entitled to a mouse trap. A motor car was one of the prizes. This was won by an Auckland man. Burrage was an employee of John Burns and Coy., Ltd., and was selling packets on behalf of the Y.W.C.A. campaign for the Girls’ Hostel. . In. another envelope witness got a ticket which said he had won a pair of scissors. Witness went to the premises of John Burns and Go., Ltd. There Robert Burns was managing director. When witness handed him a summons Burns said: “This is rather bad luck. I am the person summoned and I am the only person in the firm who had nothing to do with it.”

Detective White added that Burns said: “It was a blooming have.” Evidence was then given by Detective M’Whirter, who stated that the packet he purchased entitled him .to a potato peeler, while Acting-detective Hobbs got toilet soap. Mr M’Veagh: You went to John Burns and Company, Limited, not Robert Burns. Yes. That's so. Air M’Yeagh then said it was not a dispute as to a scheme of lottery. However, it was organised to assist a good cause. • The Y.W.C.A. and. many other trading concerns had organised similar schemes, and this was not the first. P'urther, it was not organised by Air Robert Burns. So far as Burrage was concerned, counsel said he would dispute the sale of the ticket. However, Air Robert Burns, as managing director, was not responsible, and Air Al’Veagh asked that as the cause was a meritorious one. the charge against Burrage should be dismissed under Section 92 of the Justices of the Peace Act. Counsel confidently submitted that the charge against Burns should be entirely dismissed. ' , No one had received/ any personal benefit and the whole of the pro.ceeds had been appropriated by the Y.W.C.A. Senior-Detective Hammond: These packets had printed on them the name of John Burns and Co., Ltd., while a motor-car was also parading the streets with the name of the firm on it. We have got to serve somebody with a summons, and so we served the managing director, Air Burns. We could not serve all the directors. I admit it was for a good cause, but these things often start off for a good cause and end up for a bad one. The Magistrate (Mr Poynton) : In any case the managing director must be responsible. He must know what is going on. Suppose prostitution was carried on to endow the church, or liquor was sold for, raising funds for an orphanage, or still further, suppose there was gambling for an old men’s home. These schemes would show a perverted sense of right in the community by stating that the proceeds were for a good cause. Air M’Veagh: I am not trying to justify it; I am only urging the good cause as palliating a circumstance, not as an answer. Air Poynton: But Air Burns must be technically liable. Air Al’Veagh: I say no, sir. I will quote authorities on the particular point. Air Poynton: He allowed envelopes to be printed bearing the firm’s name. Air Al’Veagh: That, sir, does not establish Burns to be a part}’ to the offence. There is not one syllable of evidence against Burns. Who knows? He may have been against all the other directors in the matter. Air Poynton: The charge against Burns will be dismissed under Section 92 of the Act on payment of costs. On behalf of Burrage, Air At’Veagh said that defendant was one of a syndicate from the employees of John Burns and Co., Ltd., who assisted in the campaign. Air Poynton: These causes are becoming a great shelter for such lotteries. The principle is a vicious one. Burrage will be fined £l and costs. In future people who run these lotteries must be. punished more severely and the penalties will be made much higher.