The Wellington Sweep Gases.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 1013, 17 December 1881, Page 2

The Wellington Sweep Gases.

(From the Auckland Star}. Wellington, Dec. 8. On the Ist inst., I telegraphed you that the detectives had made a raid on those who took part in sweeps at the Hutt races, and that the names of some influential citizens, including the Speaker of the Legislative Council, had been taken down with a view to their prosecution in the Magistrate’s Court. Since then people have been anxiously waiting for the cases to be tried, but there is no sign of action on the part of the police. Had half-a-

dozen Chinamen been caught napping, or a bookmaker or two, they would most likely have long ago figured before the magistrate, but some very large fish have fallen into the hands of the police, and the authorities don’t exactly know what to do with them. Indeed, I. have just learned that the haul is larger than most people dream of, for it includes no less a personage than Lady Hamilton Gordon, besides the wife M a colonial lord, and the better halves of some leading citizens, who were observed amusing themselves on the Gra'nd Stand with a harmless little flutter on the leading events of the day. This doubtless accounts for the inactivity of the authorities. A leorero is being held at present between the Government and the law officers on the subject of the prosecution, and the chances seem to be in favor of letting them alone. If, however, it is found desirable to make an example, which shall be a light to lighten the darkness of lovers of sweepstakes, it will be interesting to note if any of the offenders will be made scapegoats for the purgation of the sins of those who sit in high places. It would be somewhat unique to see Lady Gordon in Court, with the Speaker of the Council supporting her on the right, and the sporting proprietor of an apple-stall on the left, while asked to plead to a charge so horrible.