“ONE OF THE BIGGEST"

Evening Star, Issue 19521, 31 March 1927, Page 9

“ONE OF THE BIGGEST "

BOOKMAKING OPERATIONS (P-r United Frees AssocutiouJ WELLINGTON. March. SL Described by the Chief Detective as one of the biggest bookmakers in the dominion Henry Martindale, brother of John Martindale (who was dealt with the other day), pleaded guilty, before Mr Page, S.M., to six charges of betting at “tote.” odds. The Chief Detective said defendant was a member of a Wellington bookmaking firm. One branch ot its activities was ,betting in the New Commercial Hotel. This work was usually carried on by defendant’s brother, but while the latter was away on March 12 defendant attended to the business. When his brother was arrested a settling book was found on him showing that largo sums had been paid out to various clients- Defendant was a married man with a family, and had borno n good character previously. He had been before tie court for publishing betting charts . ■ Mr O’Leary said this was thirteen years ago He argued that there was no difference between the big and the small men. If any harm was done by the big men, then just as much was done by the small man, who betted with people who probably could non afford to bet. Mr Page decided on the maximum penalty of £2O on each charge. Mr O’Leary said the n cuey would be paid at once.