The Betting at Denaby Sports

The Committee’s Defence

Before the rising of the Doncaster Police Court, on Saturday, Mr. W. Baddiley asked to be permitted for one moment to refer to a case that was heard in that Court a fortnight before. The magistrates would remember a charge brought against several men for betting at Denaby, and some of the members of the committee of the sports at Denaby felt very strongly about certain remarks made with regard to their conduct by the Chairman of the Bench.

The chairman would himself well remember that when the licence was granted, he made particular mention with respect to betting, and in consequence of that reference the secretary went to see the police in order to engage an extra number of police. Eight police-officers were engaged, and the inspector of police was reminded of the remarks the chairman had made use of.

There were only 600 persons at the sports altogether, and the committee themselves said that no word was ever said to them about any betting, and that they did not see that any betting was taking place, because their Worships would well know that the committee and officials were generally engaged inside the ring, where the races were run. They had no cognisance of the betting, and felt very strongly about the matter, because they were all men who occupied responsible positions at Denaby.

They thought it a reflection upon them that they should be charged with conniving at betting, especially when it was considered that they engaged an ample force of police to do everything that was necessary. The police, if they had thought fit, could have stopped the betting before they did.

It was mentioned at the hearing that one of the officers spoke to one of the committee about it, but the committee said that no word was said to them concerning betting. They thought that the remarks made by the chairman should not go forward, when they (the committee) were not to blame for the betting taking place, so they desired him (Mr. Baddiley) to mention the fact to the Bench.

There was also a matter about the licence. He understood Mr. Weston’s booth was right on the opposite side of the field, altogether to where the betting was taking place, and that he had no knowledge of the matter.—Inspector Blake said the police drew the attention of the secretary in the sergeant’s presence.—The Chairman: When the case came before us the evidence was to the effect that betting went on, and that no one interfered with it the greater part of the day, until the police took action.

Mr. Baddiley: When the police were engaged, mention was specially made of your remarks about betting.—Supt. Blake: By the police to them. (Laughter.)

Mr. Baddiley: By the secretary who came to engage the police, and in consequence of the remarks the chairman made, they engaged a stronger staff of police than they had done in previous years.