GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 2566, 12 September 1884, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[united press association.]

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wellington, September 10,

Mr Hart moved that there be laid on the table a return of the total number and amount of money orders issued by the post office during the months of June and July, 1884, in favor of or payable to the following, distinguishing the number and amount in each case : “ Adamastor,” care of Lyons and Hart, P. 0., Box 151, Dunedin; “Phoenix,” care of J. L. Fleming, Box 204, Post Office, Christchurch; Jas. Jacobsen, G.P.0., Melbourne, Victoria; “Boaz,” care of Mr Moseley, wholesale and retail tobacconist, Box 64, P. 0., Dunedin, or “Boaz” only; “Fortuna,” or “Fortune,” care of F. W, Eiechelp, P.O. Palmerston, Otago; John Smith, care of Stuart and Co., Box 188, P. 0., Wellington ; “ Here’s Luck,” care of Win. Hill, Box 113, G.P.0., Wellington; “ A Leo,” care of Alfd. Kidd, Shortland street, or Box 289, P. 0., Auckland; “Robin Hood,” care of Thos. Stapleton, Box 288, P. 0., Christchurch, or Jubal Fleming, City Baths, Christchurch ; “ Adam Bede,” care of H. N. Abbott, Box No. 2, P. 0., Auckland. In moving the motion he referred to the evils of gambling, and reminded the Council that they had already affirmed their deliberate opinion that there should be a prohibition of consultation advertisements.

Mr Scotland supported the motion. He pointed out that the list was not a perfect one, as he had the names of eight other consultations, which no doubt the hon. gentleman would consent to add to his list.

Mr Hart agreed to do so. Mr Man tell opposed the idea of ventilating the secrecy of the post office.

Capt. Fraser said it was really impossible to put down consultations. The Government ought to utilse them, as in Hungary, where they derived a large revenue by imposing a tax on lotteries.

The Colonial Secretary urged the mover to withdraw the motion, which he. characterised as impracticable. Mr Wilson urged that it should be made penal to insert such advertisements. If inserted in papers not published in the colony he would be in favour of prohibiting the introduction of such papers into the colony. Sir G. Whitmore said the publication of these advertisements was a flagrant defiance of the Gaming and Lotteries Act. Either let the provisions of that Act be carried out faithfully, or let the Act be abolished.

Mr Hart in replying thought a public office should not have its services prostituted to the promotion of consultations. He denied that there was any violation of confidence in providing the return asked for.

The motion was agreed to