THE GAMBLING BILL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2045, 23 November 1907, Page 2

THE GAMBLING BILL.

JOTTINGS FROM PRESS GALLERY. (Special to Times.) AVELLINGTON/Nov. 22. “I have no hesitation in saying that this is a Bookmaker’s Bill from start to finish,” said Air. Ruther-. foid, speaking on the Gaining (Bill. In regard to tlie clause licensing bookmakers, he said it should bo optional and not mandatory upon the clubs, but he understood -the 'Premier would not give way 'on that point. He (Air. Rutherford) did not see why he should submit such v: clause unless he was the f riend of the bookmakers. He had, however, never liea-rd it stated, that the Premier had a little bit on‘-.with t-lie bookmakers. (Laughter.) He did not know whether he could say' that of all the rest of the Cabinet. (More laughter.) Air. Jennings to-day read to the House a letter from .a sporting writer of over twenty-five years’ experience condemning the totah • i&ator, -and stating ith-at the gambling -mania was eating into the vitals of -the people.' “If he has been a sporting writer for twenty-five years and has been giving tips’ he must be a verv inconsistent man,” replied ian lion member.

Mr. Jennings also read a newspaper p.a ragraph-stating that money bad been rung on the totalisator at tile Christchurch races five minutes aater a race -hud been concluded, li this sort of thing were done people would, lie said, naturally be suspicious.

Mr. Davey warmly repudiated any suggestion' of fraud in connectiou with the management at Christchurch. There was no fraud at all. The men were simply rin*rmg on- the totals invested * before the starting of the race. Mr. Jen'liuigs, lie ladiled, had no .to make such a statement. °

Mr. Jennings explained that lie bad no intention of imputing fraud but he did say that in the minds of tlie general public there was a reeling of uneasiness when five- minutes after a race had been run ' 35 tickets had been rung 011. *Mr. Davey; That is quite another story.

Mr. Jennings: -If- I conveyed that impression I am sorry” I have done so.

Mr. La wry, during his oration on the subject, talked about Auckland clergymen and “Holy Joes” bv the score gambling in scrip and land. “ltussia will be u lovely place compared with this country!” said Ml’. Swines, the member for'Patea. £ “Call this democratic New Zealand! ’ he added, with scorn; “you won’t buyable to-find a word that w:i!I describe tlie tone in this, country directly. We shall all have wings and Jews-harps before very long, or if wo don’t it won’t be the fault of tlie legislation. I hope when I get to the next country I won’t meet alot of the people I have to meet here. (Laughter.)