BETTING CASES.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13337, 1 February 1909, Page 8

BETTING CASES.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELKGRAM.)

WT2LLIXGTON, January 29

At the Magistrate's Court to-day, Harry Jfchwick, who described himself as a bookmaker, and who was defended by Mr Fitzgiobon, pleaded not guilty to a charge of haying betted on Miramar Racecourse with an infant at tho last race meeting. The "infant" turned out to be a strapping Maori lad, eighteen, and a-half years of age. Mr Fitzgibbon said the defence to tho prosecution was a straight out denial that the defendant hnd ony knowledge of any such bet having been, made by him. Counsel submitted the bookmakers were recognised by the law, and 4p cases where, they took all reasonable precautions and questioned persons whom they suspected of being under age, if any offence was oomanitted it was of -a purely technical character. The object of the Act, it was submitted, was to prevent betting with infants in "tote shops" and on tho public streets. The accused stated on oath that he invariably enquired of the person who desired to bet "with him if he suspected him of beins under age, and, indeed', ■not very long ago, when he had a doubt .about a. young fellow's age, and questioned him, the "infant" became incensed, and taking off his coat, offered to fight, him. , His "Worship said the penalty for this offence was a severe one, as in the discretion of the Magistrate the offender might be fined £100. Defendant would be fined £5, with costs £1 Is 9d. In regard to a similar charge brought against Bob. Hunter, Mr Fitzgibbon, who appeared for defendant, said that after hia Worship's decision in Fenwick's case, he would enter a plea, of guilty. wos fined £5. with £2 5s costs.