“SURPRISE NIGHT” AT THEATRE

Hokitika Guardian, 1 May 1929, Page 8

“SURPRISE NIGHT” AT THEATRE

AIA GI ST RA TE Di S.A I.ISSUS CHARGES. AUCKLAND, April 29. Holding that there was no hint ol chance in the scheme, Air F. K. Hunt, S.AL, in the Police Court, dismissed an information laid against Lester Sinclair, manager of the Empress Theatre, who was alleged j to have distributed prizes by chance at his theatre. Sinclair pleaded not guilty to a charge of having allotted sacks of coal, clothing and jewellery among persons bv chance, on a night advertised in the press, as “surprise night.” According to Detective-Sergeant Kelly, Sinclair had advertised a “surprise night.” He had turned his hack on the audience and then called out the numbers of seats in the theatre, awarding prizes to those occupying them. AVlien asked to explain the method of allotment, Sinclair said that he used to stand near the ticket box m the vestibule and watch patrons in the queue. He would take note of four or five patrons, and after they had purchased tickets, he would follow them into the theatre and write down the number of the seat and the row in which they were sitting. Then he would go outside and repeat the performance until lie had awarded in this manner about thirty prizes. Then he would go outside and repeat the performance until lie had awarded in this manner about thirty prizes. During the programme lie would go on the stage with a hat containing the numbers of the seats occupied hv the prize winners and then surprise the people by announcing his decisions. The Magistrate said that he could not- see that chance entered into the scheme. The charge was dismissed.