Woman “Bookie” Weeps in the Dock

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 548, 28 December 1928, Page 1

Woman “Bookie” Weeps in the Dock

COURT COLLECTS £lO “I’LL POISON MYSELF.” SHE WAILS That the odds are heavily against those who lay the odds should now be realised by Julia EJlen McKenzie, aged 56, who appeared at the Police Court this morning charged with taking bets at Alexandra Park yesterday. Chief-Detective Hammond told the court that the accused had been the only woman to act as a “bookie” on the course. While the chief-detective was outlining the case, accused wept bitterly and sometimes very loudly. “She had £4 18s in silver and betting material in her possession when arrested,” continued Mr. Hammond. “You will notice she is very repentant this morning, but she was very brazen yesterday. “She had the effrontery to stand beneath the tote when laying the odds among the half-crown and five shilling bettors. “This is her first time before the court, but I suggest she be made an example of to deter others. She is all tears and no sense this morning.” Mr. E. C. Cutten decided that the privilege of being the only woman “bookie” was worth £lO, and inflicted a fine of that amount. Accused cried loudly when she heai/Q the decision and had to be led from the court. “I’ll poison myself! I’ll poison myself! You see if I don’t!” were the last words heard as she disappeared down* the passage.