THE GAMBLING EVIL.

West Coast Times, 22 June 1912, Page 4

THE GAMBLING EVIL.

JUDGE’S ADDRESS TO GRAND JURY.

ABUSE OF. THE TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT.

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BLENHEIM, June 21. The Supreme Court opened to-day liel'ore Judge Cliapinan. In his address to tho Grand Jury His Honour said that the calendar was of more than ordinary length. Ho made some important observations witii regard to tho abuses of tho Telegraph Department and tho police section of the Justice Doparmeht by lioo'-makers. i.-e said that the district maintained iit i epu tation of being almost free fr;.;r, crime. In regard to tho charge .against two men cf conspiring to defraud by using tie; Telegraph Department an a vehicle f>r betting transactions, the Judge described the conditions admitted of these abuses as very unsatisfactory, and represented tho necessity for remedial measures on the part of Hie Legislature or authorities. lie then went on to refer lo the prevalence of tho gambling evil among tho young people. Hs said that this evil was assisted by being able to use the Telegraph Office for tho furtherance or betting transactions. Tho Grand Jury returned true bills against Binley and Walsh, on telegraph charges; and against Colin Waller Wilkins for fororgy, and delivered tin- following presentment: “That as bookmakers and Imokmabing in the present slate of tho law are illegal, slops should be taken to prevent tho telegraph Department being utilised by bookmakers and cl ion I s for the carrying on of betting transactions.”