GUILTY OF “TWO-UP.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2292, 21 June 1921, Page 3

GUILTY OF “TWO-UP.”

THE SHANNON. CRISES.

At the Palmerston North Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Mr J. L. Stout, S.M., delivered reserved judgment in connection with the action brought against eleven residents of Shann.on and district, who were alleged to have been playing “twoup” in the yard of the Albion Hotel, Shannon. Judgment had been reserved on a legal point, as to whether the hotel yard was a public place. The evidence, said his Worship, showed beyond doubt that the defendants were playing “two-up,” the only question being whether the game liad been played in a public place, and in view of persons in a public place. He had decided to amend "the information to read “gaming in a public place,” instead of “playing within,view of persons in a public place.” There was no evidence to show that persons could have-seen the game, other than that it was taking place in a public place. The hotel yard, he considered, was a public place within the meaning of the Act. He considered it would be well to warn licensees of hotels that, if they connive at the playing of ar, unlawful game on their premises they lay themselves open to prosecution under section 104 of the Licensing Act, 1908. He- found all the defendants guilty.

Mr 11. R. Cooper, who appeared for the defendants, asked that the penalty be fixed in respect to only one o $ the defendants, so as to allow him time to consider the question of appealing. His Worship agreed, and accordingly convicted and fined the defendant Harry Hyland £5 Is and costs. Security for appeal was fixed.