Reading Mercury
Dated 27th May 1899
SUNDAY GAMING
Edward Hemmings, Alex Keel, George Phillips, Albert Coburn, John Hopson, and Horace Hobbs were severally summoned for playing cards in the Marsh on Sunday. Hopson who lives in Chieveley, did not appear, but his mother was in attendance. It has been the practice of several years gangs of lads to play cards on the Marsh on Sundays, and at 12.45 on Sunday the police made a raid upon the defendants, and found cards and coppers, also two pocket-knives and a cap which defendants left behind in their attempt to escape from the police.
Supt. Robotham said this completed a gang of 23 lads who indulged in Sunday gaming.
Mr. Mason said the magistrates were determined to put down this practice of gaming, and the defendants must pay 10s each, including costs. |