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Hokitika Guardian, 24 October 1924, Page 2

Tni-uti: is an amusing position arising in regard to the passage of the Gaming Bill, ill that an unholy alliance is afoot to prevent the measure becoming Jaw. The so-called wowser is blockading the bill on nier at grounds as lie does not believe in raring, and would enfor.e a prohibition on others who do not believe as lie thinks. I lien the supporters o| the bookmaker fraternity are out to kill the hill because there is not any loophole for the bookmaker to come out into the o|ien and ply his calling. 'lire bookmaker is supposed to he non est, hut lie is very lmieli alive and no doubt really welcomes 11 measur, which, it carried, will grant more rare and trotting meetings for the public to bet on. But safety first prin. riples suggest his calling should he legalised. and lie is anxious for that to he brought about. He and his utip porters in Parliament hope to block tho hill with the idea of achieving some measure of relief for those who thriv so well on the business of hookmakiiig. .Meantime Mr Massey having counted heads is prepared to go ahead with the hill. Time should so:. 11 disclose its chances of passing. If earned it will ho a relief to marry country districts, mid will supply facilities for racing in districts where hitherto there has been a prohibition on the Jottal rise of the totalisator.