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Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1924, Page 2

Tiik stonewall oil the Gaming Bill which ended so abruptly last Friday permitted the measure to go to the third reading this week. It is uncertain at the time of writing whether the stonewall will he renewed. In some quarters it is heliered it will, hut the Government is not disposed, apparently, to give way to the minority composed as it is by so many members of one party, which it is broadly hinted are under '"‘sinister influences”. However, all the Labor party are not opposed to the measure. There are those who wish the Gaming Bill to go through, and with the pronounced majority in tho House the passage in

Hint Chamber seems assured. Tit the Upper House there •will he opposition also, hut it is not likely to he factious as that in the Lu"'er House. Some useful amendments might he proposed in the Second Chamber too. On the whole the prospects of the hill passing are promising. Much greater prominence has been given to the hill than has been necessary. "Were the bill out of the way it is possible the business of the House might he put through this week, so that the close of the session is very near at hand. The measure while it will afford more days of racing, permits the sport under well regulated conditions only, and such being the case it will he an advantage rather than an evil. The measure in all its hearings is in tho public interests rather than otherwise, and only those win) will not see are blind to the general advantages of the measure.

The All Blacks continue their victorious career at Home. Whether it- can ho called football, with the cricket scores recorded is a mailer for consideration. The critics at Homo continue to find fault with the New Zealand play, and have -been really eulogistic only one. Yet will after win is recorded, and the scores would he even more formidable were the place-kicking better. The attendance at the matches keeps up wonderfully well, which indicates that the fame of the New Zealanders is now well established. In that respect the team is proving the excellent advertisement it was expected to lie. As to the game itself, no doubt the play of the All Blacks will prove of advantage to English players. They will be able to pick up points, and Rugby should improve and he more popular at Home where it has now other rival codes to contend with. 'Hie tour of course was designed for mutual advantage in the way of learning, hut it does not appear likely that the New Zealanders bo far have much to learn. The Homo teams, now that tho season is advancing should ho getting into better form and condition, and in some of the later games closer contests should he expected, as the New Zealanders, on the other hand will he growing stale and losing interest in the play. However, a closer match is expected next Saturday when Ireland is to he mot. This is the first of the international games, and will excite special curiosity on that account. Meantime, the congratulations to the New Zealanders can ho repealed and hopes expressed for continued good fortune.