ILLEGAL BILLIARDS

Waikato Times, Volume 84, Issue 13188, 31 May 1915, Page 4

ILLEGAL BILLIARDS

AN INGENIOUS CONTENTION.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. WANGANLI, Sunday. A case of considerable interest- to billiard saloon-keepers has been determined by Mr Poynton, S.M., at the Feilding Court. 'I lie police charged the licensee of a saloon at Apiti, with (1) Failing to close Ms billiard saloon; and (2) permitting a game of billiards to be played after closing hours. In the first case evidence showed that the saloon was closed at th e right time and the' information was dismissed. With regard to the second charge, the Bench considered it was committed. It was contended that the case was analogous to a barber shaving a mail. If, during the operation, closing time arrived, it would be absurd for the barber to stop work, leaving his customer half shaved. The cases were different, however, said his Worship. No one was injured by a game of billiards being interrupted by closing time. The highest scorer at the moment would be regarded as the' winner. The law gives a whole day, until a reasonable hour at night, for this recreation, and roomkeepers and players must regulate games accordingly. The accused was convicted and fined 2s and 7s costs.