MODERN OTHELLOS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 22 July 1910, Page 2

MODERN OTHELLOS.

THE LOT OF NEW ZEALAND BOOKMAKERS. THE TOTALISATOR RETAINED. DOINGS IN PARLIAMENT. [PEE PBEBB ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, July 21. When the House met at 2.30 this afternoon Sir Joseph Ward moved: That in the opinion of this House, provisions in the Gaming Ac% 1908 relating to the licensing of bookmakers should be repealed. On moving the motion, Sir Joseph said that it was beyond dou'bt that all classes in the communiity realised that gambling had' increased to such an extent as to justify Parliament' in dealing drastically with it. Sir Joseph ga\so details showing that there ihad been considerable increases in race meetings, which for the -past year averaged about one a day. It was desirable, in the best interests of the country, that the resolution be carried. Mr Massey asked why had not the Government brought' down a Rill instead of resolutions? The Cabinet had no opinions of its own, or if it had, had not the courage of its opinions. Sir Joseph Ward read 1 a communication from leading bookmakers, combating the arguments used in favour of the repeal of the bookmakers' clause, and denying that the clause Imd increased iblettiimg. Some clubs had. granted licenses to notorious "Welshevs," thus bringing reputable bookmakers into bad odour. Mr T. E. Taylor desired >to refer the question of the totalisator repeal to a referendum ofi tlie people of New- Zealand; but the Speaker ruled him out of order at tlie t ; me, as the totalisator was not before the House. On division, the motion condemning the licens'ing of booDcmakors was passed, by 02 to 4. The minority consisted of two Cabinet Ministers (the Hons. Carroll and Millar) and Messrs Glover ami Wilford. THE TOTALISATOR SAFE. A motion to abolish the "totalisator was lost, by JO votes to 32. A debate on the motinn to reduce by one half the number of permits for the use of the totalisator was adjourned.