ROUNDING UP THE BOOKIES

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3621, 2 April 1927, Page 3

ROUNDING UP THE BOOKIES

MAXIMUM FINES IMPOSED. Wellington, Yesterday. In the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Henry Martindalc pleaded guilty to six informations of betting at “tote” odds. Defendant was represented by Mr. H. F. O’Leary. Chief-Detective Ward stated that accused was one of the biggest bookmakers in the Dominion, being a member of a well-known Wellington firm. On March 12, when his brother was away, accused was doing the business in the new Commercial Hotel when the police visited the place. Accused had been previously before the Court for offences under the Gaming Act. Mr. O’Leary said that the last conviction against accused was in 1914. He submitted that, from the point of view of penalty, there should be no difference between the “small” and the “big” man. In fact, the “big” man probably did not do so much harm as the “small” man, who betted .with people who could not afford any loss incurred. “Everyone knows Martindale,” said counsel, in conclusion, “and they know that lie is an honourable man, whose public, and private life has been exemplary.” Mr. E. Page, S.M., imposed the maximum fine of £2O on each charge Default was not fixed, as Mr. O’Leary stated that the £l2O would he paid immediately. £4OO FINE. Christchurch, March 31. Pleading guilty to a charge of bookmaking, Alfred Vivian Whitta (30) was fined £4OO and costs by Mr. Mosley, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court. John Henry Bott and William Henry Cousins, who were employed by Whitta in the business, were fined £7 and costs and £25 and costs respectively. The charge against Whitta was that on March 16th, being the occupier of premises known as No. 11 Royal Exchange Buildings, he kept the same as a common gaming house, and that on March 16th ho carried on the business of bookmaking. John Henry 'Bott, aged 54, was also charged with being the occupier. of the same premises and keeping same as a common gaming house. William Henry Cousins was charged • with assisting in the management.