DOMINION NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 99, 3 May 1913, Page 6

DOMINION NEWS.

THE GAMING LAAV

AVELLLN G TON PROSECUTIONS

[Per Press Association.]

AVellington, May 2

The adjourned cases against two hotelkeepers and a number of alleged bookmakers and others, for alleged breaches of the gaming laws were heard in the Magistrate’s Court today. One legal point for the defence, in the case of the licensees, was that betting was not gambling, and that no connivance could be established in the cases completed up to the present. Judgment was reserved. GAMING CHARGES DISMISSED. {Per Press Association.] * Wellington, May 3. In view of the Magistrate’s decision yesterday in the gaming charge aguiusb ; JVjGttlewell, which was dismissed, the police to-day withdrew a similar charge against Andrew Martin. Counsel for defendant commented severely .on the action of the police in bringing the case ; also, on the action of some person in swearing an information that defendant was a bookmaker, when, as a matter of fact, he had never made a bet in his life. Counsel asked the Magistrate to forward the representations to the Justice Department.

The other, cases were adjourned till Monday.

“CHAIN LIGHTNING” TRAGEDY

Wanganui, May 3

In connection with the drink tragedy at Manunui, near Taumarunui, as a result of which two men named Gantley and Gillies died, it transpires that two gallons of whisky had been procured from the Waikato and a number of men commenced drinking. Both the deceased were assisted to bed, and two or three others were suffering from the effects of the drink. A post mortem and inquest has been ordered, and some of the whisky secured by the police is to be analysed.

PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Auckland, May 3

The Premier (Mr Massey) stated in course of his reply to a deputation in reference to expenditure on public buildings, that within the next two or three weeks tenders would be called for the new Parliament buildings, Wellington. The time had come when it was impossible for Parliament to go on any longer in the old buildings. This meant that in the course of four years there would be an expenditure of £250,000. The building would probably take seven; or ings would probably take seven or eight years to complete, but about £BOO,OOO. would be required within the next year or two.