ADVERTISEMENTS OF LOTTERIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 August 1926, Page 3

ADVERTISEMENTS OF LOTTERIES.

NEAVSPAPERS FINED. AUCKLAND, Aug. 13. Two fines of £1 each were imposed upon the proprietors ol the “Auckland Star” and “New Zealand Herald” at the Police Court to-day, when charges were brought before -Mr J. V ■ I’oy nton, SAL, of publishing advertisements relating to lotteries. Two of the advertisements in each case were in connection with these cases that tho Court imposed the fines. Two other charges were brought • against the “Star."’ represented by Mr Terry, and six others against the “Herald,” represented by Mr Richmond, and these charges were dismissed under. Section 92 of the Justices of the Peace Act. Mr Richmond said that the publication of advertisements of lotteries was discontinued in both papers before tbc police took any action. He submitted there was no evidence that any persons wore induced by the advertise ments to buy anything.

Chief-Detective Cummings asked that the information in the charge he amended accordingly. This was done. Mr Poynton: The advertisements were put into the papers with intent to induce people to invest in surprise packets. It is sufficient to prove publication.

Mr Richmond: It was not- established at the time to which the charges relate that surprise packets constitute a lottery. '

Chief-Detective Cummings: The papers in Auckland had been cautioned in regard to this kind of thing before. One of the advertisements was six inches in length. Mr Terry associated himself with the remarks of Mr Richmond, and also said that proof of intent to induce should he produced ill Court. With regard to the facts, he said that the proprietors of both papers had their sense of vigilance (lulled because people bad been surfeited with . a wave of art unions and, packets. ITe suggested, as it could not he urged there was only deliberate intent, that the cases should lie dismissed. Mr Poynton : The Court will take into consideration the fact that the advertisements in some of the cases were for charity, and also the fact that advertisements of this type were withdrawn before prosecution by the police. The Magistrate imposed a fine of £1 and costs in connection with the publication of the charity advertisements, and dismissed the other charges.