“FARMERS’ PICNICS?”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2040, 11 October 1919, Page 1

“FARMERS’ PICNICS?”

The member for Christchurch North got on to n favourable topicin tiie House on \\ edaesday night, when somebody rinsed a cry lor llie reinstatement of; the double totalisator as one means of combating the bookmaker. “1, of course, know nothing' about the ‘gee goes’ and the ‘king of sports,’ and all the rest ot il,” said Mr Isilt, “but I venture to say that there is not a member of this House who does not know that since the introduction of the totalisator gambling has been increased by 100 per cent.” Every miserable little village had what was termed its “little farmers’ picnic.” The people did not go there to bet. Ob, no! All they went there for was to give their wives and children a good time. But il was a funny thing that if there was a farmers’ picnic within 70 miles of Christchurch, for instance, it was essential that there should be a great exodus of workingmen from the city to go and watch the farmers enjoy themselves. The real remedy for the betting evil, he said, was to prevent so much publicity being given to the fact that “Silver Legs is carrying such and such a weight, and is bound to catch the judge’s eye.” Column after column was given to racing, and everything possible was done to encourage the gambling spirit of the country. Mr-G. Witty (Rieearton): “And now will someone take up the collection.”