LAID “TOTE” ODDS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 52, 25 November 1930, Page 8

LAID “TOTE” ODDS

Woman Offender Caught LEARNS HER LESSON Dominion Special Service. zluckland, November 24. “Under the shadow of the machine she laid totalisator odds,” said DetectiveSergeant Kelly when Elsie Blandins Swindley, aged 45, appeared before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Police Court this morning charged with laying totalisator odds at the Alexandra Park trots on Saturday. Swindley, who was arrested by Detective Nalder during the meeting, pleaded guilty. “Complaints were made by the Trotting Club that women were betting under the very shadow of the ‘tote,’ ’’ said Mr. Kelly, “and the police were instructed to stop the practice. Accused was betting mostly with women, but the police managed to have three humble bets of half-a-erown each. Accused paid out ‘tote’ odds. When she was arrested she had £7 in notes and £2/8/6 in silver.” Mr. Kelly said that when interviewed Swindley had admitted the offence. She said she had been advised by some friends to take on bookmaking. However, she said she now intended to give the game up. Detectives who had watched her said it was apparent that she had been carrying on business at different racecourses. One detective had seen her at the Avondale races. It was also alleged that she had “welshed.” Her husband was out of a job. He was an invalid and she had two little children to look after. “I have never laid odds until this last meeting.” ‘ said accused. Mr. Hunt: Well, will you give me an undertaking to give it up if I let you off lightly this time? “Yes, sir.” ' • Accused was fined £2. “and you can’t go on a course now,” remarked Mr. Hunt. "I won’t want to,” she said.