A GAME OF CHANCE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4681, 31 March 1924, Page 4

A GAME OF CHANCE.

The question oi what constitutes a game of chance was discussed at the Magistrate’s Court in Wellington, when Mr. Corcoran, proprietor of the Paragon Tailoring Co , was charged with conducting a game of chance. Mr. C. R. Orr. Walker, S.M., was on the bench. The facts as outlined by the’ prosecution were shortly as follows : On February Bth the defendant placed in his window 25 coins of which 22 were sixpences and three were halfsovereigns. The coins were all gilded 4>ver to have the appearance of half-sovereigns, t£nd were stuck on separate pieces of cardboard with only the head showing. Each cardboard was numbered, from 1 to 25. There was no entrance fee, and all the competitor had to do was to fill in an entry form stating on which piece of cardboard the half-sover-eigns were displayed. The first correct reply opened was to win the prize of £l. The competition lasted until February 15th, when the defendant asked two girls who were watching in the window to come inside and open the forms. They agreed, and after about 20 forms had been opened, a correct form was found describing the correct number of half-sovereigns. There were between 80 and 90 forms received, but only 20 were, opened, and that meant that over 60 entrant had nc chance of securing a prize. - In giving evidence, the defendant said it was not a lottery or a game of chance ; it was a game of skill. In reply to a question the defendant said it was done purely to advertise his business.

■ His Worship reserved his de cision.