PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1920, Page 1

PARLIAMENT

U’EU I'XUSSS AHHOOXATXON. —COPYUIGHT.] WELLINGTON, July 29. THE COUNCIL. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. Tile Gaming Act Amendment was committed. On clause two Kir F. D. Hell moved to make the ■ bookmaker liable to summary conviction, explaining that owing to the size of the penalty, the bookmaker would still have flic right to elect trial by jury. The amendment was adopted. A further amendment by (Sir Francis Bell to increase the penalty for a person betting with a bookmaker to a maximum of six months, to give the right of trial by jury, was carried. In answer to Hon Geddes, Sir Faucis Bell said he would consider the possibility of widening the definition oi a bookmaker to make certain of c atching those who were engaged in bookmaking as a side line.

Hon Mitcliellson moved to repeal Section 28 of the principal Act to prov'do for secretaries of racing clubs receiving by telegram instructions for investments on totalisator. The amendment was adopted by 22 to 12. Hon Trigg’s amendment to allow the publication of dividends was carried by 23 to 10. Hon Cohen’s amendment to restrict meetings between Ist May and 31st August to seven races per day was carried by 18 votes to 12, but Hon Smith’s proposal to reduce races to six per day was lost by 18 to 12. Hon Alison then moved to legalise tho use of the double totalisator. I regress was reported, Sir Francis Bell proposing to resume consideration of Bill to-morrow. The Council rose at 5.50 p.m.

THE HOUSE. The House met at 2.30 p.m. After formal business was transacted Mr Massey moved the second reading of the Imprest Supply Bill, No 2 appropriating *3,014,400 for salaries, wages etc. The decision on This measure, which included the proposed increases to Public Sendee salaries was continued tijl 12.45 when the Bill was read «■ second time. It passed the remaining stages ..unamended and the House rose. evemnh PROCEEDINGS. Mr Hunter, .-(Waipawa) gave notice to Introduce The Gaming Amendment B»ll which 1 proposes to increase totalisator permits' by fifty-sight. The House, during the -evening discussed a variety of matters, -including Public Service salaries and cost- et - iIIK On the second reading of the Imprest Supply Bill the debate was not important. Mr Massey replying after mid-night, defended the Bail nay department which has been attacked by several members. The. department usd been severely handicapped during the war and could not make up leeway Iquicklv. The policy of Government was to meet the requirements of rtaWW users wherever possible. Mr Masse> mentioned he had promised the re.twaymen that their short strike would not affect superannuation or other pnvil ecros. The Bill was passed.