ART UNIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1932, Page 2

ART UNIONS

GROUPING SYSTEM LIKELY.

CONTROL OF EXPENSES.

WELLINGTON, May 7

Several attempts to ascertain the Government’s attitude, on the art union question have been made during the past two weeks, particularly in view of the fact that no permits for the conduct of the larger type of lottery have been granted since the last art union closed.

An urgent question on the subject was addressed to the Minister of In ternal Affairs, Hon A. Hamilton, by Mr F. Jones (Lab., Dunedin South) in the House of Representatives yesterday. Mir Jones asked whether permits would be granted for large art unions, and, if so, whether they would bo dealt with in order of application. The Minister replied that applica tions for permits were at present being attended to by the Government. The order of receipt of applications was not the only determining factor While no official intimation of the Government’s attitude on the question has yet been vouchsafed, it is known that the subject is one which has been given earnest consideration .by the Cabinet committee set Up to deal with it. There iseeriiS a reluctance, however, to make a. definite statement-, that tendency, it is believed, being induced by the difficulty experienced in reaching an agreement. Thus the whole question is left "ir the air." It is understood that quite 100 applications for art union permits have ben received. It is proDable, that a limited number of new permits will be issued during the next few months, but that a grouping system will be adopted. That will ensure that the societies whose needs are deemed most deserving will bo. enabled to participate on a- pro rata basis in the proceeds of the lottery. Jt is certain, howeveT. •that many of the.. organisations which have sought permission to conduct art unions will he disappointed. In other words, it seems probable that the art union system will' gradually he abolished.

In thq conduct of the few : remaining lotteries for which, permits ar< likely to be issued, ' it is understood the Minister . will insist that expensebe kept. within severely. restricted hounds, as it is felt that that item has in the past been most dispropor tionate to the amount. actually raised for the organisations •in aid of whose funds the lotteries have been promoted. /As far as can be ascertained not more than three, or four further major art unions are likely to be conceded.