UNIQUE PLEA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 November 1938, Page 3

UNIQUE PLEA

IN BOOKMAKING CHARGE A FORMER RELIEF WORKER (By Telegraph—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, November 15. A unique plea for a bookmaker, Eric Reid, charged with using premises as a gaming-house, was made by counsel in the Magistrates’ Court. Though not putting the fact forward in extenuation, counsel pointed out that three years ago Reid was on relief. There was something to be said for a man who was now saving the taxpayer, even though at an occupation that was not recognized by the Government. The magistrate remarked that though the betting done was not large, there was one item of significance in the' material before him —the Bookmakers’ Association’s book of rules — which indicated that Reid was a regular practitioner. Accused was fined £35. BOOKING IN HOTEL BARS THREE MEN FINED - AUCKLAND, November 15. For bookmaking in hotel bars during the Christchurch racing carnival, three men appeared voluntarily on summons in the Magistrates’ Court today. James Percy McCabe, aged 48, insurance agent, who had two previous convictions under the Gaming Act, was fined £7O, or' two months’ imprisonment; John Cornelius Mangan, aged 51, labourer, was fined £l5, or three weeks’ imprisonment; and Charles Tretheway, aged 58, who had one previous conviction for gaming, was fined £7O, or two months’ imprisonment. Tretheway was allowed two weeks in which to pay.