THE GAMBLING EVIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 869, 23 July 1910, Page 3

THE GAMBLING EVIL.

THE PREMIER’S RESOEU-

TIONS

EXIT THE BOOKIE

TOTAEISATOR RETAINED

In the House on Thursday afternoon the Premier brought down the three resolutions:— “That in the opinion of this House the provision in the Gaming Act, 1908, relating to the licensing of bookmakers should be repealed.” “ That in the opinion of this House the use of the totalisator should be prohibited by law.” ‘‘Thatin the opinion of this House provision should be made by law for the reduction of the annual number of days of racing, and also that the number of totalisator permits issued throughout the Dominion should be reduced by one-half.” In moving the first resolution Sir Joseph said that it was beyond doubt that all classes in the community realised that gambling had increased to such an extent as to justify Parliament in dealing drastically with it. Sir Joseph gave details showing that there had been considerable increases in race meetings, which for the past year averaged about one a day. It was desirable, in the best interests of the country, that the resolution be carried.

Mr Massey asked why had not the Government brought down a Bill instead of resolutions ? The Cabinet had no opinions of its own, or if it had, had not the courage of its opinions. Sir Joseph Ward read a communication from leading bookmakers, combating the arguments used in favour of the repeal of the bookmakers’ clause, and denying that the clause had increased betting. Some clubs had granted licenses to notorious “ Welshers,” thus bringing reputable bookmakers into bad odour.

Mr T. E. Taylor desired to refer the question ot the totalisator repeal to a referendum of the people of New Zealand ; but the Speaker ruled him out of order at the time, as the totalisator was not before the House.

On division, the motion condemning the licensing of bookmakers was passed by 62 to 4. The following is the division list: For the Motion (69) Allen, Anderson, Arnold, Bollard, Buchanan, Buddo, Buick, Buxton, Clark, Craigie, Davey, Dillon, Dive. J. Duncan, Hon. T. Duncan, EH, Field, Fisher, Forbes, Fowlds, Fraser, Graham, Greeuslade,, Guthrie, Hall, Hanau, Hardy, Herdraan, Herries, Hine, Hogg, Jennings, Lang, Laurenson, Luke, Macdonald, M'Keuzie, R , MacKenzie, T., M‘Laren, Malcolm, Mander, Massey, Newman, Ngata, Nosworthy, Okey, Parata, Pearce. Phillipps, Poland, Poole, Rangihiroa, Reid, Rhodes, Ross, Russell, Scott, Seddon, Sidey, Smith, Stallworthy, Steward, Taylor, T. E., Thomson, J. C., Thomson, G.M., Ward, Witty, Wright. Against the motion (4) : Carroll, Glover, Millar, Willord. The second motion, to abolish the totalisator, was lost by 40 votes to 32. The following is the division list; —For the motion (32): Allen, Arnold, Buddo, Buxton, Clark, Craigie, Ell, Fisher, Fowlds, Glover, Graham, Hall, Hanan, Hogg, Luke, M’Kenzie, Hon. R„ Mackenzie, Hon. T., M’Laren, Malcolm, Millar, Ngata, Poole, Rangihiroa, Sidey, Stallworthy, Steward, Taylor, E. H., Taylor, T. E., Thomson, G. M., Thomson, J. C., Ward, Wright. Against the motion : Anderson, Bollard, Buchanan, Buick, Carroll, Colvin, Davey, Dillon, Dive, Duncan, J., Duncan, T., Field, Forbes, Fraser, Greenslade, Guthrie, Hardy, Herdman, Herries, Hine, Jennings, Lang, Lawry, Macdonald, Massey, Newman, Nosworthy, Okey, Parata, Pearce, Phillips, Poland, Rhodes, Ross, Russell, Scott, Seddon, Smith. Wilford, Witty. The debate on the motion to reduce by one half the number of permits for the use of the totalisator was adjourned.

The Prime Minister stated he would amend the resolution to the effect that the law be altered to provide for a reduction in the number of days of racing and the number of totalisator permits. The ratio of the reduction, he added, might well be left over until the Bill was under consideration. He hoped that the Bill would be ready for presentation to the House in a week or ten days.