GAMBLING IN THE WHITE HART HOTEL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2258, 24 May 1881, Page 3

GAMBLING IN THE WHITE HART HOTEL.

To the Editor of the Olooe. Sir, —A moat glaring failure of justice was witnessed in the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning, In the case of the Police v J. O. Shepherd, the landlord of the White Hart Hotel, The charge was for allowing gambling to be carried on in a licensed house, and the ease tinder notice arose out of certain disclosures made a week or so ago in the Resident Magistrate's Court, during the hearing of a charge of highway robbery against a young man named Knibba.

The fact of dice having been used for gambling purposes was not disputed, but the absurd plea was set up that the landlord stopped the gambling directly he came into the bar. this plea was accepted by the Bench, and the case was dismissed. Until this morning I have always been under the impression that masters are responsible for the consequences arising out of the conduct of those whom they choose to represent them In the discharge of their duties; but it appears that such is not a faot. Young men may be ruined by drink and gambling, week-day and Sunday, In our *• most respectable " hotels, and just because the landlord does not witness the breaches of the law being oommitted, no fine can be Inflicted ! To me it seems monstrous that our J. P. 'a should be so blind as to allow this so.t of thing to be perpetuated. No wonder the police are sick and tired of laying Informations against publicans, when such excuses as that made this morning are allowed to be sufficient to justify the dismissal of an information. Not until such time as our J.P.'s know what their duty is, and how to do it, will the licensing laws of the colony be any better than a most gigantic farce.

Yours, &c, BPHRO MELIOBA. Chriatchurch, May 23rd.