BOOKMAKERS AND BOOKMAKERS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 544, 26 June 1909, Page 3

BOOKMAKERS AND BOOKMAKERS.

Sir,—l see by your paper last week that a bookmaker named Ham was fined £3 for loitering m a public place. I must confess that I do not know anyone named Ham amongst tho recognised tote betters, but if he had tho audacity to poach upon the preserves of the wealthy bookmakers and to encroach upon the licensed hotels specially set asido for the big betters, then, sir, bo should be punished, as it is timo the police tanght such intruders that Willis Street is set aside solely for the big bar bettors. Perhaps somo day a disgusted policeman will put somo of these big bar bettors away and ; so oven things up. Might I also draw your attention to tho Tatt'ersalls ,Club that is in course of formation It is an open secret that tho club will very quickly become possessed of a starter. Do you think that such a club is necessary, if bo, why "> Will it bo anything moro or less than_ a gaming house? and under tho new Gaming Act such a place is illegal, but it is a well-known fact that two promoters of tlio concern will bo prominent members Will their presence bar the authorities from keeping an eye on the premises? Hoping you will have something to say on this mattor, —I am, etc , FAIE PLAY. >'June 14. , [It is coming to be recognised that the encouragement given to bookmakers by the Govornment under the Act entitling thorn to-lay the odds on racecourses has had tho undesirable effect of stimulating the bookmaking fraternity. Tho matter will come up' next session, whon wo hope to soo a drastic change in tho law on the subject ]