BETTING FRAUDS IN THE WEST OF ENGLAND.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1257, 24 January 1883, Page 2

BETTING FRAUDS IN THE WEST OF ENGLAND.

A remarkable conspiracy on the part of a betting ring is reported to have been discovered in the Weet of England, and the discoveries are expected to severely compromise people in respectable positions. The modus operandi appears to have been as follows i — A ring having enlisted the co-operation of a clerk in a central telegraph office, proceeded from time to time to various small towns taJM the neighborhood despatching telegrams, which the clerk would be in waiting, ing particular horses. The arrangement wae that these telegrams should be handed in a few minutes before the raoee were timed to start, and on reaching the central office they were to be detained by the coadjutor untfl the winning numbers came in, when the messages should be so altered that those despatching them should have registered the beta which should have great profits. The effect of the illusion was that, in spite of the detention, the persons receiving the messages were4| unable to suspect any foul play, because time of despatch ana receipt was stated, and but for the various embarrassments into which a tradesman in a distant part of the country became involved the matter would probably not have been brought to light. In consequence of thie, and the difference between the time of receipt and despatch, complaints were made and a staff of special detectives were brought - down, and the whole affair is now said tn/' have been completely traced through. The matter is creating great interest amongst the betting fraternity throughout Devonshire.