THE RACECOURSE'S AFTERMATH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 224, 4 October 1901, Page 2

THE RACECOURSE'S AFTERMATH.

* FIB PBHSS ASSOCIATION. October 3. ' At tbe Polios Court to-day, five men, arrested on the racecourse yesterday, were obarged with having no visible mean* of support. Evidence was given by the police to -tho effect that accused frequented racecourses and made their living by tote betting and giving " tips." Mr. Kettle, 8.M., in giving judgment, said that defendants were charged with being idle and disorderly persons within the meaning of Section 26 of«' The Police Offenoes Act, 1884," Evidence showed that t) ey had no visible lawful means of support, and the question was whether 'they had given a good account of their means of support. Defendants themselves admitted that thev gained their livelihood by travelling about from racecourses to racecourse backing horses on the totalisator and giving " tips " to persoris. Mr. Kettle bold that this was not recognised by respectable people as a legitimate method of obtaining a livelihood, and he oould not hold that they had given a grod Account of their means of support. Defendants were, therefore, convicted of being idle and disorderly persins. Mr. Kettle counselled defendants to reek some honourable employment-. If they continued in treir present path it would result.in only one thing—gaol. Defendants wereconvioted and ordered to come up for sentence when railed upon.