THE TOTALISATOR.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1490, 12 July 1912, Page 5

THE TOTALISATOR.

COMMENT ON NEW ZEALAND EVIDENCE.

By Telecraph-Prcss Aesociation-Copyrieht

„. . Sydnoy, July 11. Hie minority rqport presented by tho lotaiisator Commission, in dealing with the evidenco taken in Now Zealand, states, livery witness absolutely opposed credit betting;, and preferred a cash system. Iho only witnesses opposed to tho totalisator were clergymeu-nnd these objected to all forms of betting-or those interested in bookmaking. In New Zealand 7J per cent, of tho amount derived from tho totalisator is devoted to improveinents, the upkeep of racecourses, payment of wages, and increase of prizes; 2} P e T ( cent, going to tho State. The courses are splendidly kept; besides being racecourses they are really public gardens " ' The great bulk of tho evideiicp taken in the Dominion was to the effect that the totalisator inado racing purer, and enabled clubs to improvo the grounds and increase prizes. That discouraged the big bettor and the professional punter, arid assisted'in improving the breed.of horses, especially trotting horses, some of whichi were among the finest in any part of the world.

Mr. M'Court, one of the commissioners, did not sign cither report, but recorded a series of observations in favour of tho machine and the strict prevention of bookmakers. Hβ suggested that 71 per cent, should b©i tho maximum allowed to bo deducted by the totalisator, tho whole to bo expended in prizes and for the upkeep, of racecourses.

Commenting on tho commissioners' reports; the "Sydney Morning Herald" says that the only conclusion to'be drawn "is that the. majority on the commission was unable to meet the arguments against the present evil system of betting, and in desperation decided that they wero onesided. ■ , ■

The "Daily Telegraph" says: "Unfortunately, the reports are so contradictory that they shed no more light on the essential issues than we already had. About tho only outstanding definite featirre ig tho majority's statement that wherever tho totalisator is established it remains in operation, although it is formidably threatened in New Zealand. That is important evidence." ,