Mexborough and Swinton Times May 20, 1892

Gambling at Adwick on Dearne

The following were charged with having gambled at Adwick on the 7th inst; James Briggs. Arthur Jow, John Birks, Richard Corbridge, miner; James Parkes, Thomas Child, and Christopher Joyce, glassblowers, all of Mexborough

Mr Baddeley appeared for the defendant.

The defendant Joyce did not appear.

On Saturday, the 7th last, at 1.30, it was said the defendant were in a field gaming with coins, and officer being concealed behind a hedge, where he could see, a few yards away, all that was going on.

He said he watched the party for three quarters of an hour. After the men had been at Harlington Lane Ends for twenty minutes, they went into a public house.

Cross-ex-mined by Mr. Baddiley: The landlord was bringing the men some bread and cheese in. There were eight or nine more men in the house. I did net get the name of “Buffalo Bill.” That man -said he had been in the house for two hours, so I did not take his name. I was not sure about “Whistler.” The men all gave their proper names and address. I did not say I had not seen any of them gambling. I did not say anything shout boys having seen them. I said several other people had seen them. They did not say they were going to Barnburgh Common to play wickets. I have known Dirks for five or six years.

A boy living at Harlington was called to give evidence. He deposed to watching the men toss for coins, and said he saw the policeman behind a hedge.

Mr. Baddeley said he was instructed by the men that they were going to Barnburgh to play cricket, and that they stopped on the way for refreshments.

The Chairman said the bench considered the case proved, and this practice of gambling must be stopped in the interests of the public.

Each defendant was fined 15s, including costs.