On This Day, 10 September 1917

Birmingham Mail

Monday 10 September 1917

BOY GAMBLERS

ARE THEY EARNING TOO MUCH MONEY?

At Smethwick, today, a number of boys of 14 and 15 years of age, were summoned for gambling, and Superintendent Campbell commenting on the prevalence and nuisance of gambling, said it seemed to be a mania with boys when they entered a factory.

In reply to the Chairman (Mr. A. H. Griffiths) the Superintendent said it would appear that the boys were getting too much money, and having so much led them to taking part in games of chance.

Mr. Griffiths said the money paid to boys nowadays was inclined to be a curse rather than a blessing.

Once of the lads said his wages were 21s. 6d. a week, but with overtime he could make 27s. or 30s.

The magistrates imposed a fine in each case of £1 0s. 7d., and ordered the parents to pay, the object being to secure greater parental control.