Laying Totalisator Odds.

Manawatu Herald, 28 December 1893, Page 2

Laying Totalisator Odds.

The fact that yesterday (Tuesday), was a public holiday was deemed a fitting opportunity by the police for making a raid on certain premises in Wellington which were supposed to be used for betting purposes, in contravention of the Gaming ami Lotteries Act, 1881, says the N.Z. Times. - ■' Accordingly, decoys were sent round in the morning after the telegraph office had closed, to lay money on certain horses running at the Auckland Meeting, and on which it is alleged totalisator odds were to be paid. This part of the programme having been successfully performed, preparations were made for entering the said premises on search warrants, three places being selected — viz., the premises occupied by- J. P. Wallace, Manners street, jafaif those of Paterson Brothers and Willis street. Chief'l)e'tective Campbell and ActingDetective Gantley were entrusted With the duty of entering Paterson's premises, and Sergeant O'Malley and Constable Hutton called at Wallace's, the houses being entered at about the s|me moment— l p.m. The raid was effected without any fuss. The various books found on the premises were seized, but we understand that very little money was found, with the exception of the notes left by the decoys. No arrests were made, the police being of opinion that the parties being well known, proceedings might just as well be taken by summons. ' The visit to Simmons' establishment was scarcely so successful. After the visit of the decoy Simmons left Wellington, and when SergeantMajor Ramsay and Constable Murphy called there at 1 o'clock they were nnable to gain admittance, and it was considered advisable to take no further proceedings in the matter for the time being. On Simmons' return to Wellington he was informed of the fact that lie was wanted at his place of business, and eventually he accompanied ChiefDetective Campbell and ActingDetective Gantley there shortly before 10 p.m. The books, &c, were seized, bob it is supposed that some parties- had previously effected an entrance, and made good use of the time at their disposal. The charges in connection with the affair will probably come before the Court on Friday. ■