POLICE VISIT DWELLING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 277, 23 November 1943, Page 3

POLICE VISIT DWELLING

GAMING CHARGE FOLLOWS Following a visit by Detective-Ser-geants J. K. Robertson and J. J. Murray to a dwelling at the corner of Moana and Fromont Streets, Wanganui East, on Saturday afternoon, Ernest Sydney Hawkins, agent, aged 55, appeared before Mr. J. H. Salmon, S.M., In the Magistrate's Court yesterday and admitted keeping his premises as a common gaming nouse. The magistrate said that having regard to the value of defendant’s business, and the fact that it was his second offence, a fine of £4O, with costs 10s, would be imposed. Detective-Sergeant Robertson told the Court that when the police visited defendant’s premises at 2.35 p.m. they found betting material on a table before him. Seven entries on a writing pad indicated that fll in bets 'had been taken. Defendant also had a card which showed he was responsible for giving bookmakers racing results, and laying off bets as required. Defendant was a produce agent and had been a respected resident of Wanganui for many years, said Mr. W. R. Brown. Defendant regarded giving out Saturday race results as merely a hobby, and though three substantial race meetings were held last Saturday his takings up to 2.35 p.m. did not exceed £ll Ils 6d, indicating that he was not in a large way. The magistrate said that early in 1942 defendant was convicted and fined £2O for keeping a common gaming house.