THE GAMING AND LOTTERIES ACT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 806, 27 December 1881, Page 3

THE GAMING AND LOTTERIES ACT.

A Wellington telegram says that great interest waj, on Friday last, centered in the information laid against Sir Win. Fitzherbert, the Hon. J. Martin, and two .other gentlemen for a breach of the Gaming and Lotteries Act by taking part in a sweepstake on the Butt course on the 30th nit. The case was beard before the Resident Magistrate and three Justices of the Peace, and after half-an-honr's deliberation a fine of £lO each was mflict3d, one of the Justices, the Hon. J. Johnston, dissenting. In another ease against six gentlemen on a similar charge," five were dismiesed through insufficient evide.ee. However, the sixth, who had mads admission to a d-tective that he had taken ua.rt in a sweep, ivas fined £2. Notice of appeal was giyen in all cases. During the hearing of the case it transpired that the informant, Detective Chrystal), had actually held the hat whilst the tickets were being drawn. An information was therefore immediately laid against Chrystall for assisting in the affair. At a public meeting held, at which ihe mayor presided s it was resolved :—'• That the circumstances connected with the first conviction under the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1881, which took place on the 22nd November, are of that peculiar character that, in the opinion of this meeting they should be brought under the notice of Government." It was also decided to petition His Excellency praying for the renr'ssion of the fine inflicted by the Bench, and a deputation was appointed to wait upon the Minister ot Justice to furnish any further information that may bs required.