CHINESE PUZZLE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 166, 4 October 1927, Page 9

CHINESE PUZZLE

PARTNERS IN LOTTERY CREDITORS’ CLAIM FOR MONEY An unusual and involved claim by Chinese came before Mr. Justice Stringer in the Supreme Court this morning. Eight Chinese claimed against the estate of George Gee, a Chinese merchant, who died 12 months ago owing them varying sums of money. The estate was insolvent, and was in the hands of the Public Trustee, for whom Mr. J. A. Johnstone appeared. The creditors were represented by Mr. Tong. It was stated that the deceased and these men were interested in the running of a lottery, the deceased collected the profits and accounted to them for it. He died owing them money.

After evidence, Mr. Johnstone submitted that Gee and Low King, a witness, were partners in a fan-tan gambling club, and that the whole transaction was one which was unlawful under the Gaming Act. The estate was bankrupt, and deceased’s assets were £1,168, but against this was a sum of £SOO owing to European creditors and £1,200 to Chinese creditors for goods supplied and delivered.

His Honour said it would appear that the deceased blended these moneys with his general account and worked on it. It was the contention of Mr. Tong that Gee was an agent for the other men, and that they were entitled to the money. He also submitted that in that case it: did not come under the Gaming Act.

His Honour, in reserving his decision, said the business seemed a profitable one, and hail evidently taken a considerable amount of the earnings of the Chinese who played it.