BOOKMAKING CHARGE.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19903, 4 June 1936, Page 2

BOOKMAKING CHARGE.

OAII A 1" 1'! AWAMU'I'U. SECOND IN 12 YEARS. (Times Representative.) TE AVV'AMUTU, \‘Vcdnesday. A charge of carrying on business as a bookmaker at Te Awamutu on May 15 was preferred against Arthur Donald Baker, in the Te Awamulu Magistrate’s (Jourt this morning. Mr F. ii. llcvien, S..\i.. was on the Bench. For the defendant Mr J. Oliphant said Baker preferred to be dealt with summarily. A plea of guilty was entered. Conducting the case for the police. Constable J. Forysth said consequent upon complaints, police omcers from Hamilton had visited Te Awamutu and managed to make bets with defendant. Baker had been in Te Awamutu for eight years. first as a carrier and then as an insurance agent. iie had been connected with the Young Men's Instliute and had a favourable record. Mr Oiiphant said this was the second prosecution or its kind in Te Awamuiu since the Gaming Act had come into force about 12 years ago. Defendant had accepted bets on one or two or:casions. He was entitled to a war pension but had carried on without it. As a bookmaker Baker had operated in a very small way and definitely would not Operate again. Counsel asked for leniency. and in reply to Mr Levien said defendant was highly respected in the town.

The niégistrate entered a conviction with a fine of £lO and costs.