THE TOTALISATOR.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1489, 11 July 1912, Page 5

THE TOTALISATOR.

COMMISSION REPORTS, By Telegraph-Press Association—Copyritclit (llec. ,1 uly 10, !).10 p.m.) Sydney, July 10. The report of the Totnlisator Commission appointed by the State Government lias been published. The majority report is against the introduction of the machine, and is signed by six members. Alter stating that while the inquiry was thorough and comprehensive, tlie bulk of the evidence was tendered by interested persons, and tho general public, who find the whole of the money, were singularly apathetic. The machine undoubtedly provides a fair system of betting, and to a very large extent lessens the evils of credit betting; but it does not suppress the worst forms of street and shop betting. This flourishes but to a lesser extent perhaps in >'ew Zealand and the other States. The totalisator is fascinating, and attracts many who would not bet with the bookmaker, and it is natural to assume that its introduction would increase betting and bettors. Believing that racing has already reached abnormal proportions in tho metropolitan area, the members of tlia commission signing the majority report feel that they would not be justified in helping to increase the facilities. They view with apprehension the growth "of betting, believing that it has an unsettling effect on the community, and are convinced that the introduction of tho machine would not cure, but would add to, the existing evils. The present facilities for betting are more than, sufficient, and tho commissioners therefore recommend that they should not be increased. Tho minority report is signed by tho chairman, Mr. Lcvien, and throe other members. It says that betting is inseparable from horse-racing, and tho only question therefore is the best way to regulate it. The report supports tho totalisator as ths fairest form of betting for the public; as a means of increasing tho prizes, and providing for the more efficient upkeep of the courses; of purifying sport; of improving tho breed of horse;; of limiting betting on racecourses; of preventing credit-betting; of discouraging tho big bettor and tho professional punter; and of enabling owners to raeo without indulging in betting. Tho machine

would also supply a legitimate form of taxation from which a large revenue could be reaped by the State.