THE BETTING CRAZE.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 April 1924, Page 2

THE BETTING CRAZE.

A MAGISTRATES COMMEXT. | IIY TEL Kent API1 —I'KH I’ll ESS ASSOCIATION. " AUCKLAND, April !). “Tins is anotlir instance of a good man going wrong through our natural asiiiitv in belting,” said Mr. J. AY. Boynton, .SAL, in giving judgment oil Thomas Walker .23) a clerk in the -Auckland Board Office, on a charge of stealing sums of £3 and £6 3s 2d. “it is now a question whether the State will control gambling or it the State,” said Mr Boynton. “Already there are ominous signs that it has perilously near attained the mastery. Here is a list of only a few public servants who within a short time have been convicted of various crimes owing to this cause.” Tlie list read by Mr piisr-d postal officials, telegraphists, policemen, telegraph linesmen, clerks.

The Magistrate continued:—“Public servants are above the average physically and mentally, and when this mortal plague makes such ravages

aDong-t them we can realise its havoc in Ihe community. The Probation Officer hesitates to recommend probat-

ion in this case because some of our Judges refuse il. When the case is one of stealing from employers there is a sound reason for this. A man who steals from his employer or from a friend who trusts him is: mure culpable morally and .socially than the one who steals from a stranger. Probation is being abused. It is being so earnestly and lavishly bestowed that crimes are being committed on the certainty of getting probation. It is, however, a noble reform, and at present is doing an enormous amount of good. It is to he desired that their Honours will agree on some rule as to certain offences. The Lower Court would gladly follow them. At present each Judge and each Magistrate is a law unto himself. Ido not think the accused is really a criminal. He lias fallen through betting and not through being by nature a thief. The accused will he admitted to probation for three years and ordered to make restitution of the amounts stolen within one year; also, ordered to abstain from betting of any sort during the whole term of probation.