FORECASTING WINNERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18791, 29 May 1923, Page 5

FORECASTING WINNERS

CHARGE AGAINST MANAWATU TIMES. DECISION RESERVED. (Per Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., May 28. At the Magistrate’s Court, Robert Hewitt Billens, editor and publisher of the Manawatu Daily Times, was charged that on March 31st he published a sporting article which contained advices as to the probable result of a horse race, to wit, the Halcombe Welter race, run at Feilding Racing Club’s Easter meeting on March 31st, such advice being in the following words: “It is probable that Snatcher will be reserved for the Halcombe Welter, in which case he will be accorded liberal support. He is very well and will need to be to stave off the efforts of Lochson and Big Push.” Seven other similar informations dealing with other races at the meeting were preferred. Detective Sergeant Quirke, for the police, stated that information was laid under section 30 of the Gaming Act.

Detective Holmes deposed calling on the defendant on March 24th last, informing him he had instructions to warn editors about observing the section of the Act. Defendant read through the section and asked how far could he go without committing an offence. Witness replied that he could not answer the questions. Defendant undertook to give instructions to the sporting writer. On March 31st witness and Detective Sergeant Quirke again called on the defendant who was out, both officers bought copies of the paper and told the man in charge that a legal opinion would be obtained on the legality of sporting comments. Witness attended the races. Of 16 horses mentioned in the article, 12 started, and there were two first and 3 seconds, and one third, five being unplaced. He considered the article contained information worth: following. For the defence it was stated that in order to forecast the result of a race it would be necessary to mention the winners and the third horse. It was contended that the. Act implied no offence unless the first three horses were mentioned previously. The Magistrate reserved his decision.