THE BOOKMAKER

Hokitika Guardian, 1 November 1920, Page 1

THE BOOKMAKER

REFERRED TO IN THE HOUSE. (Our Parliamentary Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 30. Mr D. Jones, (Kaiapoi) to-day drew the attention of the Minister of Justice to a statement that the bookmaker was now pursuing his occupation more vigorously than ever and launching out in news ways with double and treble betting cards, and all sorts of combinations in connection with the smaller meetings. Ho wished to know if the fljutliorites would take action in view of the large amount of private business that Was likely to be done in Christchurch in connection with the forthcoming race meeting. ,A Hon. member—Have you got anything on ?' _ 3 The Hon Mr Lee in reply, said that he had been receiving these betting cards through the post. An Hon member —What did you back ? Mr Leo ignored the interjection, and went on to say that the bookmakers were openly defying the law, and the public who were betting with them Mere also defying the law. The law would have to be observed in so far as ho was concerned, and lie bad a conference with the Commissioner of Police on more than one occasion in regard to this matter. Instructions had been issued in the force right down to constables to check this betting, and to see that the law was observed, not only by the bookmakers, but by every member of the public,. “We are on their tracks,” said the Minister, “and if they get into trouble it will be tlieir own falult after this warning. If we are not able to check this betting I shall be very disappointed with the work of the Department.”