The Globe. TUESDAY, JULY 18, 1876.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 649, 18 July 1876, Page 2

The Globe. TUESDAY, JULY 18, 1876.

The G-overmnent have introduced aud carried through its third reading in the Upper House, a Bill to prevent lotteries and regulate art unions. Such a Bill, having for its object, among other things, the prevention of the many swindles perpetrated under the guise of charity and religion, is one with which most will agree. It contains eight clauses only, and may be summarised in a few words. It is first provided that no person shall in any way dispose of any property of any kind whatsoever by lots or chance, under a penalty not exceeding one hundred pounds. The penalty is recoverable summarily before two Justices of the Peace. Any person commencing or being a partner in a lottery, or conducting or managing it, is liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred pounds. For a second offence, in addition to such penalty he is liable to imprisonment for any term not exceeding six months. This concludes the first section of the Bill. The second deals with the conditions under which Art Union Associations for the distribution of paintings, drawings, sculpture, or any other works of art may be formed. These are exempted from the penalties above mentioned, provided that the deeds, rules, &c, constituting such an association, shall have been first submitted to and approved by the Attorney-General and a certified copy deposited in the Colonial Secretary’s office. Provision is also made for the annulling of such deeds and rules by the Governor in Council whenever it appears that the Association had ceased to bo an Art Union Association within the meaning of the Act. Such annulling by the Governor removes it from exemption from the penalties recoverable under the Act. Such in brief is the purport of the Bill. With the memory of many so-culled religions aud charitable Art Unions aud Lotteries before us, we cannot but express satisfaction that the Government have taken this step. On these occasions scenes have taken place which, to say the least of it, were highly discreditable to the objects for wiiicii they were projected. We fail to see the difference between the pious swindle in which one invests ten shillings and receives a threepenny doll, and the many turf lotteries, which are projected under the high-sounding title of “ Festivals.” If there is any difference, the latter are more honestly conducted. After deducting expenses the full money is really returned to the winners. Yet strict churchmen, nay even • ladies of a pious turn of mind, see no harm in the former, but look with holy horror on the latter. Nay more, wo have had lotteries and games of chance in full swing under the patronage and sanction of the clergy, except of one

or two denominations. These, to their credit, have resolutely set their face against them.. Yet, had anyone presumed to point out that this was gambling, pure and simple, disguised under the flimsy veil of the good of the church, those taking part iu it would have been horrified at such harsh terras being used. The Bill now passed by the Legislative Council will, we are glad to say, put away this reproach from amongst us. But while it does this, and does so effectually, it will not prevent the education of the people by the distribution amongst them of works of art. In this direction the Art Unions of London and Glasgow have done good work. To have checked or totally discouraged this, by repressive legislation, would have served no good end. Eather otherwise; as by means of such associations the tastes of the people are elevated and refined. They have the chance, by payment of small annual subscription, not only of possessing some of the finest works of the day, but in all cases they receive, whether lucky or not, fair value for their money. Associations of the character spoken of, issue to all their subscribers during the year, works of art nearly equal to the amount subscribed. By this means, the gambling spirit, induced by the vicious system of bazaar lotteries and raffles, is not in any way fostered or encouraged. Through these means the homes of all classes are made brighter, and a lovo for the beautiful and artistic is cultivated. As will be seen by the sketch of the Act we have given, every precaution is taken that these associations shall be honafide , established for the purpose of distributing works of art, and nothing else. The approval of the law adviser of the Crown being necessary, and the power of revocation, fully ensure this. We feel sure that a measure, having for its object the suppression of a system which has become a positive evil, will be heartily welcomed by the public, as a step in the right direction. The only hope is that the House of Representatives will be as firm in their resolution not to legalise the swindles, perpetrated at bazaars, as the Upper House has been. In that case we may look forward to the Bill becoming law as it now stands, and we venture to say that it will be productive of a large amount of good.