BOOKMAKERS HEAVILY FINED.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8080, 10 April 1906, Page 2

BOOKMAKERS HEAVILY FINED.

BETTING ON RACECOURSE RESERVE. At the S.M. Court, New Plymoutli, oil Monday, the cases against a number of bookmakers, charged with betting on tile reserve adjoining the Taranaki Jockey Club's freehold property, contrary to the provisions of the Borough by-laws, wfrc heard. The informations against George Williams (Christeliureh), James Marsden (Wellington), S. A. Brierly (Wellington) were taken, Butler's case being adjourned. Mr C. W. Govett (Govett. and Quilliam) appcarod for the prosecution. He stated that the Jockoy Club were endoavouring to suppress bookmakers at the course. The by-law had been well advertised, and especially after the prosecutions which followed the Christmas meeting, there could be no plea of isnoranco of tho law. Detective Boddam gave evidence of the offence. At 1 p.m. on tho second day of the races, each ot the defendants was servod with a summons for betting on the second day, but continued the operations. Separate informations were lodged for each day's betting. The dofendaut Williams ploaded that be was unaware of the by-law until ho was served with the summons. If ho had received proper notice that he was transgressing, ho would have desisted. Now that he had made enquiries he would plead guilty. Another of the defendants pleaded guilty by telegram,'but the S.M. said that he could not receive a plea in that manner.

In giving his decision the S.M. pointed out that he had previously decided that the by-law was good and valid He fixed a small flue on that occasion, and had issued a warning that future offenders would receive a heavy penalty. The plea that any of the present defendants was not awaro of tho by-law could not apply, at any rate, to' the second day, for after receiving the summonses, tho bookmakers evidently made up their minds to continue calling the odds. He fixed the fine at £lO on the first day's and £2O on the second day's information in each case, and costs £1 17s.