THE BOOKMAKER QUESTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2049, 28 November 1907, Page 3

THE BOOKMAKER QUESTION.

TOTE SHOPS CLOSED IN YVELLINGTON. OLUIBS MUST LICENSE “BOOKIES,” OR IMPERIL THEIR PERMIT. (Special to Times.) YVELLINGTON, Nov. 27. Owing to the Gaming Act, the tote shoos, of which there are five or six in Wellington, have been all voluntarily closed. The proprietors state that- they will henceforth confine their operations to racecourses, where they hope to do a big business. Doubts aro expressed, how-

ever, whether the authorities will be able to cope with street betting. The street betting (usually tho smaller fry) will, it is thought, take the risks as hitherto. In connectioai

with the non-publication of dividends, it is pointed out that there is nothing to prevent their being telegraphed privately. Those who are beet able to judge state that racing club's will bo compelled to license bookmakers, and that the Government will not allow the clubs to run counter to the spirit of the Act. If this is done the Minister for the Interior may refuse to grant such clubs a permit. This is my own opinion, formed from knowledge gained during the passing of the Bill. The Feilddng Cllub has been inundated with applications from bookmakers who wish to attend its raco meeting on Friday, but if. the club sticks out for the £2O fee the number of acceptors may be somewimt limited. The result will be watched with considerable interest. YIANAYVATU CLUB LEADS THE YVAY. Press Association. PALMERSTON NORTH, Nov. 27. The Manawatu Racing Club lias decided to admit bookmakers to- its summer meeting, on conditions to be decided later.