WEST END GAMING RAID.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1025, 19 November 1912, Page 4

WEST END GAMING RAID.

SIXTY-TWO MEN SURPRISED BY THE POLICE,

A raid on a gaming house in Sherwood Street, W., iu the early hours of a recent morning, had a sequel at Marlborough Street Police Court later iu the day, when sixty-two men were charged. Jacob Hyaras, “promoter,” of Camden road, N., Louis Buddeberg, poultry dealer, of Hart street, Bloomsbury, Sid Bermau, clerk, of Munster Square, N.W., S,uu Bray, tobacconist, of Hallam itreet, Portland Place, Thomas Gippert, barman, of Warbeck road, Shepherd’s Bush, and Charles Smith, waiter, of Charlotte street, Fitzroy Square, were accused of being concerned together in keeping, managing, and conducting a gaming house, and fifty-six other men ol being found ou the premises for the purpose of gaming.

Mr- H. Muskelt, who represented the Commissioner of Police, said the men were arrested at a house in Sherwood street, known as the Sherwood Club, which was not registered, and at which no intoxicants were sold.

“The premises have been open about a month,” added counsel, “and Hyams is the responsible proprietor. The portion of the premises occupied as a club is at the rear of the building, access being gained through mews in Denham street.

“Superintendent Sutherland went to the premises shortly after two o’clock one morning, and went to a room on the second floor, where men were sitting and standing round various tables. The game of faro had evidently been in progress at one of the larger tables. There were two packs of cards, and £2 10s in gold on the table, and five halfcrowns were on the floor. Other tables covered with baize were evidently used tor gaming. “The sixty-two persons found on the premises were mostly Jews and aliens.

“Hyams admitted that he was

the proprietor cf the club, but Buddeberg said he had nothing to do with it. Berman was the doorkeeper, and Bray croupier, Gippert and Smith were behind the bar, and they were undoubtedly principals in a minor degree. The police gained access to the premises on September Bth, and found the same state of affairs. The place was under observation on September 14th and also on September 15th, and games were then being played. There is no doubt the premises were used solely for the purpose of unlawful gaming.

“Buddeberg was fined in IS9B for assisting in the management of a gaming house of Wardour St.” Counsel for Ilyams said his client accepted responsibility for the conduct of the house. There had been 110 attempt on his part to conceal the facts.

Hyams was fined ,£IOO and ,£5 costs or two months in default, Buddeberg ,£SO and ,£5 costs or one mouth-, and Berman, Bray, Gippert and Smith 40s each. The fifty six “frequenters” were bound over for twelve months.