BETTING CHARGES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 99, 30 April 1935, Page 10

BETTING CHARGES

TWO MEN BEFORE COURT MAGISTRATE’S WARNING. Charged with breaches of the Gaining Act, two men, Patrick Lawrence Gordon and Patrick Burke, appeared before Mr. J. H. Salmon in the Wanganui Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning. Gordon was charged with laying totalieator odds in connection wih the Nelson Handicap, which was run at Auckland on April 22, while Burke, a billiard saloon keeper, was charged with using his premises in Victoria Avenue ax a common gaming house. Both accused pleaded guilty. Tn outlining the circumstances of the •harges, Detective C. L. Packman stated that complaints had been received by the police. As the result of these complaints witness had interviewed Gordon, who frankly admitted raking a few bets. Defendant produced i book which showed that he was only indulging in small amounts of 2s 6d. Defendant was the recipient of a war pension, and was a carpenter by occupation. The pension was only a small one and war disability prevented him from earning a full living. Tt was defendant’s first appearance before the Court. In reply to the magistrate, witness stated that io his knowledge the betting had only been going on for a short time. While convicting defendant and ordering him to come up for senieine within twelve months if called upon, rhe magistrate said that in view of the detective’s evidence and the defend ant’s good character, hr would give him a fresh chance. “But this sort of thing must stop.” the magistrate added. •*Tf it. happens again you must be fined heavily.” In dealing with the case, again*!