The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY JULY 27, 1931. AN ART UNION PROPOSAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY JULY 27, 1931. AN ART UNION PROPOSAL.

The Member for Motueka (Mr Black) has brought down a Bill in Parliament to legalise art unions for the benefit of the hospitals. The proposal is sure to meet with much opposition, for there is a very definite set against any form of gambling. Yet as far ae human nature is concerned, the world over, there seems to be a very general dispositon to indulge in the pastime in various guises. As a matter of fact, this country now indulges the practice very freely even though it is against the law. What art unions are legalised for charity purposes, there is always a very ready response to any appeal for investment, ahd the success of the continuous art unions now being held in he Dominion, is very strong proof of the leanings of the people. It is an open secret, also, that investments in the Australian sweeps or art unions from New Zealand, aggregate thousands of pounds annually and “depressed” times do not apparently effect this form of speculation. The success of similar, ventures in the Northern Hemisphere, whether on the Continent or in Ireland, bear out the contention as to the love of speculation implanted in the average man. With this favourable atmosphere Mr Black is no doubt greatly encouraged with his proposal. If this form of gambling is to he legalised it is well that it should be used in a worthy cause, and assistance to the hospitals appears most commendable. The Government takes large sums annually through the legalising of the totalisator, and the money goes into the public account and is used generally. If the hospitals are to

benefit, the help would be most timely at this juncture. The needs are great, particularly in the centres, though all the institutions are on short commons due to the paring down of the Government subsidy. Doubtless the Bill before Parliament provides a mealis for the allocation of profits, and the bulk of the amount will pass automatically to the more important institutions. There is one aspect to he considered and that- is if the aa-t union augments hospital funds notably will, the private channels for personal charity be dried up? If they were it would be regrettable for funds can be used to advantage in most hospital institutions outside of mere maintenance. Nevertheless, the means of help proposed will find much favour if brought into vogue. There would then be the legal outlet for the speculative .bent of the people, and the profit would pass to a very worthy cause. Whether it would prevent the present outflow of money from the Dominion to other attractive similar investments Overseas is not clear, but .the-.recent aft unions must have been •some- - check in that direction, and ■where, the business is finally establish*, ed on legal grounds there should at least be such a. high degree of confidence, that the attractions of the outside speculations will be overshadowed, and the investing money will be retained in the country. As a matter of expediency and making a virtue perhaps of necessity, M,r Black’s proposal has points to commend it to Parliament, and if passed to the country at large.