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John Capp - Talk on gambling history given to Cessnock Historical Society. Recorded 9 November 1984. Part 1/1.
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SummaryTAPE 332A JOHN CAPP
Recorded 9 November 1984.
​Part 1/2.
00:15
Rice's Bookmaker started out as an SP bookie. Betting was rife, boys of bikes taking bets between races.
1:30
SP bookies were prevalent in the pubs. Often supported by publicans, often bets taken out back of in toilets.
2:35
Bi-Squad would tell Publican to pay up.
4:07
20 minutes before a race a call would come through to local post office, and prices given for each horse.
5:15
SP booking market was a well organised operation.
6:00
Often fights among bookies, they operated at various locations, eg. Marble Bar.
6:45
Offences relating to gaming houses. Percentages earnt.
7:45
SP bookie operated at Weston, next to Criterion Hotel. SP booking took place at Cessnock had a few, there was the 'BCU', library, School of Arts, Davies Chambers, location near Council Chambers, Broughton's, Community Hall at West Cessnock. Also one at Aberdare Hotel.
9:35
Rev. Ward was opposed to betting, addressed the council and wrote letters to newspaper.
10:15
Sergeant Bill (Bird?) 'Billy Blue'. "Looking for a start Bill". Recalls antidotes.
13:10
Game of 'two up' at Paxton 'always played there'. Players were always charged with playing a game called 'heading' (not two up), which only offered a fine, whereas 'two up' carried gaol time. Two up was also played at Cessnock racecourse, Bellbird, Kurri and Boolaroo.
14:25
People played 'two up 'in Hyde Park.
16:10
Sale of lottery tickets – a half lottery ticket.
17:10
Mrs Curtin.
19:03
Soup Kitchens. John conjures up vision of hots meals, hungry people, served at Kurri Public School in mid-winter. Their efforts not forgotten. Students came to school with their soup spoons and jam tin- children would line up near soup in playground.
20:10
Business donated vegetables.
21:15
Butcher at Bellbird, Bert Cook.
22:10
Soup was cooked in large 'coppers' (copper boiler).
23:45
Soup kitchens located all over the coalfields.
25:30
'Stinker' Coleman.
27:35
Tom Colburg.
29:40
First Cessnock Presbyterian Minister Rev. Clark McDuff.
31:01
End (Tape 332/Side A)
SubjectCapp, JohnBookmakers (Gambling) -- New South Wales -- Cessnock RegionSP bookmakersSoup kitchensCessnock (N.S.W.)PersonJack DelaneyCreatorCapp, JohnDelaney, Jack, 1919-2010CollectionVoices of the HunterPlaceCessnock, NSWDate Created9th November 1984Identifier332A
Recorded 9 November 1984.
​Part 1/2.
00:15
Rice's Bookmaker started out as an SP bookie. Betting was rife, boys of bikes taking bets between races.
1:30
SP bookies were prevalent in the pubs. Often supported by publicans, often bets taken out back of in toilets.
2:35
Bi-Squad would tell Publican to pay up.
4:07
20 minutes before a race a call would come through to local post office, and prices given for each horse.
5:15
SP booking market was a well organised operation.
6:00
Often fights among bookies, they operated at various locations, eg. Marble Bar.
6:45
Offences relating to gaming houses. Percentages earnt.
7:45
SP bookie operated at Weston, next to Criterion Hotel. SP booking took place at Cessnock had a few, there was the 'BCU', library, School of Arts, Davies Chambers, location near Council Chambers, Broughton's, Community Hall at West Cessnock. Also one at Aberdare Hotel.
9:35
Rev. Ward was opposed to betting, addressed the council and wrote letters to newspaper.
10:15
Sergeant Bill (Bird?) 'Billy Blue'. "Looking for a start Bill". Recalls antidotes.
13:10
Game of 'two up' at Paxton 'always played there'. Players were always charged with playing a game called 'heading' (not two up), which only offered a fine, whereas 'two up' carried gaol time. Two up was also played at Cessnock racecourse, Bellbird, Kurri and Boolaroo.
14:25
People played 'two up 'in Hyde Park.
16:10
Sale of lottery tickets – a half lottery ticket.
17:10
Mrs Curtin.
19:03
Soup Kitchens. John conjures up vision of hots meals, hungry people, served at Kurri Public School in mid-winter. Their efforts not forgotten. Students came to school with their soup spoons and jam tin- children would line up near soup in playground.
20:10
Business donated vegetables.
21:15
Butcher at Bellbird, Bert Cook.
22:10
Soup was cooked in large 'coppers' (copper boiler).
23:45
Soup kitchens located all over the coalfields.
25:30
'Stinker' Coleman.
27:35
Tom Colburg.
29:40
First Cessnock Presbyterian Minister Rev. Clark McDuff.
31:01
End (Tape 332/Side A)
SubjectCapp, JohnBookmakers (Gambling) -- New South Wales -- Cessnock RegionSP bookmakersSoup kitchensCessnock (N.S.W.)PersonJack DelaneyCreatorCapp, JohnDelaney, Jack, 1919-2010CollectionVoices of the HunterPlaceCessnock, NSWDate Created9th November 1984Identifier332Aloading google map....
Delaney, Jack, 1919-2010, John Capp - Talk on gambling history given to Cessnock Historical Society. Recorded 9 November 1984. Part 1/1., [332A]. Living Histories, accessed 26/03/2023, https://livinghistories.newcastle.edu.au/nodes/view/86114