A BETTING CASE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13338, 29 March 1911, Page 7

A BETTING CASE.

POLICE v. FARRELL. Th hearing of the .charges under the Gaming Act against John Farrell was resumed before Mr W. Kerr, S.M., this morning. The charge of being in Wicksteed Place oa February 2nd, for the purpose of betting, was proceeded with. Detective Siddclls appeared for the police, and Mr G. Hutchison for defendant. Detective Siddells said he had been watching Farrell’s actions for some months past, particularly on days when races were being held. On these days, defendant was always to be found about Wioksteei Place, talking to various men, frequently outside the Club Stables, and almost invariably went into the stables with them. On the date mentioned in the information there were races at Pahiatua and Christchurch. Witness started to watch defendant about 1 o'clock. Farrell met a man. named Tiros. Quarte.-man, and entered the stables with him. He came out afterwards, and went in rnd out of the stables frequently. A uiau entered the stables while Farrell was there. T!t man came out, putting a piece of paper in lus pocket. Farrell followed shortly, and walked to the top of Wicksteed Place. There he met a young man on a. bicycle. The two were talking for a few seconds. The man took something from his pocket, handed it to Farrell, who put it in his pocket. Shortly after, witness visited the office where Farrell was located. Farrell was making an entry in a small black book. He was arrested on another charge. He bad a printed list for the Pahiatua races in his possession. Tire dividends and winners were marked for the first four races. Farrell had fhe small hook (produced) in his pocket. It contained entries of bets made on the Pahiatua races, with debit and credit lists. Witness then explained at length the meaning of the entries in the dooic, in the same manner as in the previous charge against Farrell. Cross-examined, witness said that the Club Stables were public, and were open wiiilc witness was watching Farrell. Witness suggested that Farrell was using the stables for betting. A bet was a wager on a future uncertain event.

Frank iNleylon, totalisator proprietor, gave evidence as to the totalisator results at the Pahiatua races. Constable Connor corroborated Detective Siddclls’ evidence.

This concluded the case for the police. George Chamberlain, stud horse propretor, said he had arranged to meet defendant on the afternoon of February 2nd, and had met him about four o’clock. The case was concluded this afternoon, Farrell being convicted and fined £2O, Court costs 9s, and witnesses’ expenses 10s. Mr Hutchison gave notice of appeal, security being fixed at ,£lO, in addition to amount of fine and costs.

The remaining charge against Farrell, that of betting at totalisator odds, was adjourned till after the decision of the Supreme Court on the -above case.