KEPT GAMING HOUSE.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1920, Page 5

KEPT GAMING HOUSE.

TWO MEN EACH FINED £IOO. SECOND TIME CHARGED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Denis William Driscoll and Reginald John McEwan were convicted by Mr. Hunt, S.M., on a charge of keeping a common gaming house, and a fine of £IOO was imposed on each defendant, with costs.

Commenting on the case, Mr. Hunt said that had the defendants been operating in a big way and had they told lies in evidence, the penalty 'would have been heavier. He said there was ajtnple evidence to warrant a conviction in the case.

Chief-Detective Ward said it was only fair to say about the men that they did a certain amount of printing, and did not make a living solely by betting. They had been before the Court 'in February last 6n a charge of keeping a gaming house, and had been convicted and fined,

TWO BREACHES ALLEGED. Wellington, Last Night Two breaches of the Gaming Act were alleged against James Patterson, who appeared in the Magistrate's Court today, before Mr. Hunt. S.M. Patterson was charged: (1) That between Nov. 2D and December 9, having use of the Star Private Hotel, at the corner of Cuba and Webb Streets, he used the same as a common gaming house; (2) that hj» carried on the business of a bookmaker

Chief-Detective Ward alleged that defendant kept the Star Private Hotel as a boarding house, and carried on bookmaking as a side-line. Evidence was given by constables, who said they made bets with accused under instructions- from superior officers.

Accused, on the first charge, reserved his defence, and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial, bail being allowed. The second charge was adjourned sine die.