ICE-CREAM AND MIDGET GOLF

Hokitika Guardian, 26 January 1931, Page 8

ICE-CREAM AND MIDGET GOLF

COURT ACTION ABOUT SUNDAY PLAY. PROSECUTION AT AUCKLAND

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, January 23. Three charges of keeping open a miniature golf course at MjM'ord on Sundays were preferred against Ernest Hallan Henderson (Mr Inder) in the Magistrate’s Court, before Mr W. Ji. Woodward S.M.. , Constable Wood, of Takapuna, said that on December 14th play was in full swing at the golf course. He saw the defendant there, and he admitted that he was responsible for the place being open, and that the two assistants present were acting under his instruction. When asked if lie was making any charge, defendant replied that he was not making aliv straight-out charge. He said there was a notice indicating that admission to the course and the use of clubs and balls was free; but that soft drinks and icecreams were Is each. Witness said ■defendant explained that anyone desiring a round of golf would purchase an ice-cream or drink for Is, and would be supplied 'free with a club and ball, and be allowed to have a round of golf. The ice-creams he was Sidling for Is were the same as those to be bought elsewhere for 3d. He said that as the police hail stopped him from making a direct charge on Sunday, his solicitor had advised him to take the course he had adopted. “NO CRIME TO EVADE LAW.” “The law can be evaded, and it is no crime to so,” said Mr Inder. On Sundays there were drinks and icecreams available at the golf course,, and if anybody was fool enough to pay Is for a 3d iee-cream, lie could do so. People had gone into the place and played many rounds without paying anything on Sunday, and also without buying anything at the stall. Fortunately the sporting public* realised tha: it was not a fair thing to take everything for nothing, and the majority who played free were sporting enough to pay Is for a 3d ice-cream. The idea was to popularise the game, , said counsel. Bv allowing people to 1 play for nothing on Sundays it was hoped that they would learn to like the game and go there on week days, when a charge was being made. DECISION R ESERVED. Defendant said the stocking of ieecream was not merely a farce, as Targe quantities were sold. The majority df people who played for nothing on Sundays bought their drinks or ice-creams after the game. The extra charge of 9d on ice-creams was made for the purpose of keeping the green in order. Children who called on Sunday could buy their ice-creams at the usual prices. The Magistrate reserved, his decision