“AN INNOCENT GAME”

Evening Star, Issue 19804, 1 March 1928, Page 6

“AN INNOCENT GAME”

PLEA FOR PROGRESSIVE EUCHRE PREMIER PROMISES CONSIDERATION JPeb United Press Association,] CHRISTCHURCH, March 1. A large deputation, including many women, some wdth children, waited on tho Premier this morning and asked for an alteration to the Gaming Act to legalise progressive euchre parties. Mr E. J. Howard, M.P., said he had never known anyone ruined by progressive euchre, which was an innocent game used to raise money for good objects.

Mr W. Harvey, representing tho school committees, explained that euchre parties were often used to raise money lor school needs, such ns swimming baths. Replying, Mr Coates said (ho only possible objection, ho should think, was whether people should play cards or not. Ho would refer tho matter to the Minister of Justice and to tho Attor-ney-General lo investigate the legal position. Tho Premier added that (ho judge in the recent case had no option but to accept the law as it stood. He was pleased that the deputation recognised that. One or two points occurred to him. It must bo considered whether the parties might encourage young people to play cards for money. Though it was quite clear from tho statements made that no money was played for there was an entrance fee, and money prizes were provided. Whether the position would be met by giving some kind of trophies ho could not say. A member of the deputation-said no money prizes were paid. Mr" Coates: That point should be emphasised.