In a recent case at the Petty Sessions, Mr Hickson, representing Mr Cummins, a bookmaker, contested charges brought by the Great Southern and Western Railway Company. The first charge accused Mr Cummins of traveling from Newbridge to Limerick via the wrong route, while the second charge alleged that he used an expired ticket for travel from Ennis to Limerick.

Evidence was presented to demonstrate that the defendant had purchased a return ticket from Waterford to the Curragh on August 19th. The following day, when he returned via Limerick Junction, the ticket checker demanded an additional fare of 4 shillings and 9 pence. Mr Hickson argued that the ticket did not specify any particular route, thus challenging the validity of the claim.

In the second case, it was revealed that the defendant had travelled to Miltown-Malbay Races, but there was no specific mention of the return journey. Upon his return the next day, he was charged 2 shillings and 1 penny. Mr Hickson contended that this was a legitimate defence in accordance with the law, and the defendant had already written to the company to explain the circumstances.

The company was unable to provide a satisfactory response, and as a result, the case was dismissed. Mr Hickson expressed his gratitude to the court for hearing the case, highlighting the importance of bringing such matters to light.

Dublin Evening Telegraph – Saturday 15 October 1904