BIG AND SMALL BOOKIES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2841, 3 February 1925, Page 3

BIG AND SMALL BOOKIES.

IS THERE DISCRIMINATION? During the liearng of the gaming rases at Dannevirke on Thursday against Harry Drinkwater and Jolin Francis Flynn, billiard saloon proprietors, an interesting dialogue oc'"eurred. Mr T. H. G. Lloyd, who appeared for the defendants, informed the court that Drinkwater had been a resident of Dannevirke for 38 years and had never been before the eourt previously except, for having allowed a cow lo wander (Laughter). He had not carried on the betting business very extensively and as shown by the statement of Detec-tive-Sergeant Butler, he was what might be called the “silver better,” as his transactions were mostly with clients with silver coin. Flynn kept a billiard saloon and lie had been informed by the Sergeant of police that he had never seen a better kept saloon in his life. Detective-Sergeant Butler: I do not. allege anything against their characters except this charge. Mr Lloyd: We all know that there are a number of bookmakers in New Zealand, and in the large centres some were in a large way of business. It was strange, he added, that these men were never brought before the Court. The immunity of the larger men from prosecution was an inducement to the smaller men to try their hand at the game. He said that the men in a large way in the business followed up the races and were everywhere. The Magistrate: It is hard to get a seat in the trains for them.

Mr Lloyd: Well, while this sort of thing is going on, it is idle to say we. will not have humble imitators. The defendants before the court were relatively small men, and men of good character. Det&ctive-Sergeant Butler said lie would not like Mr Lloyd’s statement that the big men were not prosecuted to go forth uncontradicted.'' The police were daily endeavouring to catch them. The Magistrate: But probably they are too clever. Detective-Sergeant Butler: - I do not admit that, sir. The big men themselves are kept in the background, but their agents—who were everywhere—were continually being prosecuted. The Magistrate: I have seen them taking bets even in front of a police station! Mr Lloyd asked that in view of the excellent character of the defendants (he lines lie made as light as possible. The Magistrate: Well I can send them lo prison for three months, but as this is their first offence and as they have nof, been engaged in the business in a large way, I will only line them £25 each. Detective-Sergeant Butler: Any default, sir? The Magistrate: I expect they will pay. I will make the default later.