SUPREME COURT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3750, 12 February 1907, Page 3

SUPREME COURT.

Wellington, February 8

At the Supreme Court to-day Ah Chow, found guilty of carnally knowing a girl under 16, and Yow Lee, who pleaded guilty to a similar offence, were put forward for sentence. They were sentenced to 12 month’s imprisonment. His honour took into consideration the fact that the girls had been previously corrupted and the jury’s recommendation of Chow to mercy on the ground of solicitation by the girl. William Scott and Harry Martindale pleaded not guilty at the Supreme Court to an indictment of four counts, charging them with keeping a betting house at 57 Lambton Quay, and of receiving money for the purposes of betting. Two probationary constables gave evidence that on a series of dates they visited defendants’ premises, made bets with each ot the defendants and received dividends, paid by the accused, and saw defendants take bets from and pay money to others. Counsel for the defence pointed out that it was not illegal to carry on the business of bookmaker. The Legislature could not prohibit booking while it legalised the totalisator. What was illegal was the localisation of the business. The onus was on the Crown to prove an actual physical resorting to the place for purposes of betting. It was not sufficient to establish mere casual betting ; there must be a keeping or using of the place. The evidence of the probationary constables was such as must heavily discount it in the minds of the jury. The jury brought in a verdict of not guilty, and the defendants were discharged.