EUCHRE TOURNEYS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 128, 28 February 1928, Page 6

EUCHRE TOURNEYS

THE SUPREME COURT DECISION ‘ Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, February 27. It is probable that the decision of Mr. Justice Adams that euchre tournaments conducted for profit are illegal may be taken on appeal to the Full Court. The decision is so far-reaching in its effect that it is felt that the matter should not be left where it stands at present. A solicitor expressed the opinion tins morning that the judgment applied to progressive bowling tournaments, which are conducted on the same principle as euchre tournaments. In progressive doubles, which are held by most bowling clubs to raise funds, the leads and skips change after each game and prizes are awarded to the skip and the lead who gain most points. Bowling, unlike cards, is purely a game of skill, but the element of chance enters into progressive doubles owing to the players not knowing who they will have as partners in each game. In his judgment, Mr. Justice Adams laid it down that it was immaterial whether tiie game was one of skill, or mixed skill and chance, or of pure chance. Under this ruling it is felt that tournament games other than card games come within the provisions yf the Gaming Act. In fact, the solicitor said he thought that possibly the annual championship tournament of the Dominion Bowling Association may be declared illegal, because it was conducted by the association for the purposes of profit and money prizes were awarded to the winners and runners-up. Other sports associations also might find themselves similarly affected, remarked the solicitor. The question of taking further action witli a view to removing the matter beyond all doubt was discussed at a meeting of promoters of euchre tournaments held on Saturday night. A public meeting of euchre and whist plavers and all others interested will be held to-morrow night when the whole question will be fully discussed. In the meantime euchre and whist tournaments are suspended. ANOTHER CONVICTION By TELEGRAr.iT.—“iir.ss Association. Dunedin, February 27. William Thomas Rowlands was charged in the Magistrate’s Court this morning witli keeping a common gaming house. Accused was the promoter of euchre drives held at the Waratah Tea Rooms, and the prosecution was the result of a visit of a detective in the capacity of a patron on Saturday night. On entering a conviction against defendant the Magistrate said the matter was not one which called for a penalty.