Increase of Totalisator Permits.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 August 1921, Page 1

Increase of Totalisator Permits.

PRESBYTERY-’S PROTEST. • j AUCKLAND, Aug. 10. | Tho extension of totalisator permits, ' as recommended by tlio Racing Commission, was strongly condemned by tlio • Auckland Presbytery last evening. The subject was introduced by the Rev. D. R. Scott, who proposed the following motion: “That the Presbytery views the recommendation of tho Racing Commision for an extension of totalizator permits with the gravest disapproval. It does so mainly becauso tho totalisator is made to serve a purpose that is demonstrably in antagonism to tho Christian ethics of justice and benevolence. The character of gambling is not elevated by the magic of a Government license. No advocate of tho totalisator has so far candidly faced the issue against which the Church launches her attack. Various attempts are made to obviate the necessity of publicly defending the evil principle involved in tho addition. The alleged call for an increase of permits, and outcry against the elmination of some already in existence, go to show that the chief interest on the racecourse is not tho sport of horse-racing, hut the vice of gambling. At a time when so much attention is being given to the education of the youth of New Zenland, it is deplorable that any party should plead for the extension of a principle and practice that are so detrimental to tho growth of chivalry and honour.” Tn moving the motion, Mr Scott said tho evil principle which was identified with tho bookmaker was to ho found connected with the totalisator. 1 Loro was no ethical difference. It was no use peopdo who advocated the totalisator saying that those who opposed it were narrow-minedd and opposed to field sports. The Church had nothing gainst sports such as football, cricket, and hockey, and its ministers had never discouraged them in any way, nor had tho Church anything against horse-racing as s uch, but as a means of encouraging tho spirit o£ gambling.

The motion was seconded by the Rev. (’. Porter, who urged that the Church should fight with till her strength against any encouragement of gambling. Several other speakers expressed the opinion that the Church should oppose any increase in racing, and that the time had arrived when gambling on the racecourse should be crushed. The proposed extensions were detrimental from an economic, as well as a spiritual standpoint. The motion was carried.