Recovering Bets

Hokitika Guardian, 4 July 1922, Page 3

Recovering Bets

AUSTB AIJ A X lit HIKMA K ERS PERTURBED. SYDNEY, June 21

The actions Instituted against a number of Victorian bookmakers lor the refund of money paid by cheque in settlement of bets have caused a good deal of concern among members ol Hi'fraternity throughout Australia. The House of Lords has decided these bets to be recoverable, but a deputation to the Victorian Attorney-Gen-eral pointed out on behalf of the fielders that the position here was different from that in England, where betting was not recognised by the Government, and the bookmakers were not taxed. In Victoria, where betting was recognised, and taxed, hv the Government, the bookmakers felt that they were entitled to protection. They urged the introduction of a measure to counteract the actions, and asked that the Bill he made retrospective. so that those who get.in quickly would not participate. . The Attorney-General agreed that it a man in his proper senses made a bet. and lost, it would he improper and dishonest to attempt to recover the money afterwards. In the case of a man who had died, if his executors attempted to recover ids lost bets, and made no attempt to repay the bets which he had v.on, it would he. soinc•thiing of a shock” to the conscience of decleilf-ihuKlwl citizens. He thought the law should he amended. He would place the matter before the Uahniet.