“A SILVER BETTOR.”

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 224, 16 February 1928, Page 4

“A SILVER BETTOR.”

A WAHAROA “ BUSINESS." HeaVy Fine Imposed. On Saturday* last a man named David H. Dewhurst, who is known as a fishmonger - and fruiterer, was arrested at Waharoa, on a charge of bookmaking. He appeared before Mr. F. W. Platts, S.M., at the Morrinsville Court on Tuesday and through his counsel, Mr. G. G. Bell, pleaded guilty. Constable Mathieson, of Matamata, stated that he had visited Waharoa in plain clothes on Saturday and called on the accused and suggested that he should make a bet for the Rotorua meeting. The accused had replied that he did not know him and had to be careful as he might be a policeman. ye told him to call around later. The policeman did so, and was informed that there was nothing doing. The constable next had a search warrant issued and a book was found in accused’s bedroom. The book contained the names of many well known horses with amounts entered against them. The accused had 14s 7d on his person. A further search was made and other books containing further horses’ names were discovered. The accused had been notified that a second search was to be made, but replied that nothing would be found. He was a single man and carried on the business as a fruiterer and .fishmonger. There was a general opinion that this was a blind. He was apparently what was known as “ a silver bettor.” Mr. Bell (Matamata), for the accused, stated that the facts were as stated by* the constable. He did not consider that the accused had-carried on bookmaking business extensively. The books showed that all bets transacted were of the half-crown and five shilling type. The man had borne an excellent character prior to this offence. It was in his favour that he had pleaded guilty, although he had not been actually* caught making a bet. Doubtless this kind of gambling was becoming a serious offence, but he considered that the accused should be dealt with leniently. He was a man without means, more fool than knave, and had pleaded guilty when he could have put one and all to a great deal of trouble. In reply- to a question Constable Mathieson stated he considered that the accused was acting on behalf of another. He had been canvassing the district for bets. Mr. Bell further pointed out that the accused had been arrested and had been unable to get bail and had been in the cells four day*s. He hoped that this would be taken into consideration.

The Magistrate stated that he had given full consideration to what counsel had said, but at the same time the accused had known what he was doing. He would be fined £4g, the fine to be paid within ten days, in default two months’ imprisonment. The accused was also ordered to report to the police daily. Later, Mr. Bell unsuccessful* appealed for a reduction of the fine. He said that the man was not in a position to pay the fine and would have to go to gaol.