“A Menace to the City”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 69, 13 June 1927, Page 1

“A Menace to the City”

Detectives Raid Auckland Gambling School on Saturday Night

THIRTY MEN’S FINES TOTAL £230

WHEN the police, under the leadership of Chief-Detective Cummings, raided Frederick Batchelor’s gymnasium boxing (and gambling) school on the fifth floor of Chatfleld Buildings in Customs Street on Saturday night, they found a “full house.” They arrested 32 men, and in the Police Court this morning these paid the penalty to the extent of £230 in fines.

THE raid, which was the result of police surveillance extending over a considerable period, was well planned, and the ‘‘school” was taken completely by surprise. At the top of the steep flight of steps which leads from the lift on the fourth floor up to Batchelor’s gymnasium on the fifth, is a door bearing the legend:— “STRJCTLY PRIVATE. Members Only. GYMNASIUM And PASTIME CLUB. Please Knock.” The chief-detective knocked, and Batchelor, who was evidently on guard while dice and coins fell noiselessly on the thick green baize cloth that, covered the table inside the room, opened the door cautiously as far as a short length of chain would allow. He might have shut it again had he been given the chance, but the detectives were too quick. Burly shoul ders soon snapped the chain and as the door swung inwards under their weight, the raiders swarmed into the room and rushed the table. There was a wild scramble— Cards, dice and poker chips scattered over the table as the players grabbed hastily for their money. There was no escape, except through the windows and on to the fire-escape. There was a rush in this direction . and several men got through, only to find more detectives waiting for them. CAUGHT BY THE FOOT One of those who had so suddenly lost all interest in the “school,” William Charles Seagar by name, was half way through a window when a detective grabbed him by the foot. Seagar struggled and kicked, but the iron grip that held him did not release, and he was dragged back into the room to face the music with the others. The raid and the consequent search of the premises occupied some time, and it was about 11.30 p.m. before the 32 men whom the detectives arrested were escorted down to the street below, where six motor-cars were drawn up ready to convey them to the Police Station.

The news of the raid had spread and there was quite a crowd to cheer the departing procession. At the station the men were formally charged before a justice of the peace and remanded till this morning. They were allowed bail—Batchelor at £IOO, his assistant, David Simon, £SO, and the remainder £5 each—each amount representing the maximum fine which a magistrate is empowered to impose. CHIEF-DETCETIVE’S WARNING In the Police Court this morning Chief-Detective Cummings outlined the story of the raid. Only 17s was seized from the table, he said. There did not appear to 'have been a great deal of money there. “Last week there was a serious assault committed in the rooms,” said Mr. Cummings. “A man who wanted to adopt some sharp practices was put out by force.” “These places soon become a menace to the town,” continued the chief-detective. “Married men who can ill-afford it go there and lose their money, and their wives and children have to suf:er. If owners and agents do not take steps to prevent gambling being carried on, the Department may consider dealing with them too for permitting their premises to be used in this way.” The gambling school was known to have been going on for at least a couple of months, particularly on Saturday afternoons and nights, and on Sunday nights. There had been nothing against Batchelor before, Mr. Cummings added. “Well, he has admitted the offence,” said Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M. “He will be fined £60.” David Simon, aged 41, who had been before the court before for gambling, but a long time ago, was fined £3O. In addition, Batchelor, was is 49, was ordered to contribute £ 7 toward the police expenses, and Simon £3. Only a dozen of the 32 -men

who were arrested on Saturday night answered their names this morning. The remainder were

evidently content to forfeit their bail, and let it go at that.

John Sullivan, aged 56, and George Parkes, 49, had been previously con victed, and -were each fined £4. Joseph Henry Symus, 48, and James Me-

Donald, 32, were “onl> looking on,” and were let off with £3 each. “NO PLACE FOR MARRIED MAN” The chief detective pointed out that Janies Kirrane, 40, the next one to be dealt with, was a married man with four young children. He was destitute, and had just come out of hospital. “That was no place to be if you have four children to support,” said the magistrate severely. “I don’t know that I should make any distinction.” However, he fined Kirrane only £2. The following 23 men were fined the maximum £5 each: —Charles James Brennan, alias Burman, aged 49, whom Mr. Cummings described as “really a professional gambler”; William Scott, aged 40; Henry Parkin, alias Peacock David Ross, aged 60; Samuel Dunmore 47; Samuel Williams, 46; Thomas O’Connor, 44; Abraham Wakem, 44; William Charles Seagar, 39; Joseph Katich, 28; George Thomas, 40; A 1 fred Morris, 40; Edward Cooper, 41: Charles Claude Bennett, 30; James Bruce, 38; Barclay Mackie, 37; Michael Tobin, 54; Frank "Williams. 49; James Brown, 46; Thomas Anderson, 28; Joseph Lester Chadwick, 60; William Bond, 42; and Jack Roich, 45. Calvin Thomas Craddock Dufty, 27, who was one of those who appeared in court, was fined £4; William McDonald, 42, £3, and John Davis and William Ellis, who came in after the police had taken possession, and appeared in court voluntarily, £1 each.

The case against Louie Urlich. who did not appear, was adjourned till Wednesday. The magistrate made an order for the confiscation of the green baize tablecloth, 14 packs of cards, dice, poker chips and cribbage board, which were seized by the police.