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Hokitika Guardian, 23 July 1920, Page 2

With a Gaming Act Amending Bill colore the House there is the promise o: | a good deal of discussion on tile racing | question. 'Hie measure which is pro- ; mulgatcd by the Government is designed to ban the bookmaker, and the Minister in charge of the bill has indicafed that it is to be a trial of .strength, a fight to a finish. Rigorous penalties are to be imposed on the bookmakers plying an unlawful calling as also on tbe public who traffic illegally. The bill is also likely to be used as a means to permit “double” betting through the totalisator, but this pormissipfl. by reason of the cost incurrcl will not jjo avahhed of generally. The publication of dividends will also be sought through the medium of this measure. A further bill is propose 1 to increase the number of days at which the totalisator may bo used. The suggested increase is 58 days. The increase is not to affect metropolitan racing, being oonfined to country

racing clubs, trotting clubs and aunt clubs. The allocation of the extra Jays if approved is to be left to a. Commission to lie appointed by the Government The Minister of Internal Affairs lias expressed himself as rather averse 1 1 tlie increase, as ho believes more in a redistribution of the existing totalizator licenses. Mr Anderson has expressed the opinion that in the larger centres where racing and trotting clubs overlap, there should he an amalgamation, with a corresponding reduction of clubs, and the rendering of the un - used land for other purposes. Whetncr these views will be endorsed by the House remains to be seen, as the mem bers are sure to divide on man 7 phases of the vexed question of more tqtalisator ipermits. The present House appears in the main to be generally favourable towards racing under efficient regulation, and with the safe--1 guards fixed securely the sport promises I to prosper exceedingly. It was never I more popular than at present, as is

shown by the increased attendances and the growing volume of the totalizator turnover. Recognising the popular trencl Parliament will, no doubt, legis late accordingly.