BANNING THE BOOKIE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2153, 22 July 1920, Page 3

BANNING THE BOOKIE.

'Wellington, Last Night.

The Gaming Amendment Bill came under discussion in the Committee of the House last night, Avhen important modifications Avcro made. When Clause 2 Avas considered, Mr Holland moved to delete the provision that bookmakers can be summarily convicted. This Avas accepted by Mr Anderson, the Minister in charge, thus giving the bookthe benefit of a trial by jury. Clause 3 imposes a ; fine of £IOO or imprisonment of one month for lotting Avith a bookmaker, but members considered this too drastic, consequently the Minister agreed to insert the qualifying Avords “not exceeding.” ..Very strong exception Avas taken by a number of members to the clause throAvyig upon the defendants the onus of proving' their innocence. Mr Wilford moved to delete the clause, and on a division the danse Avas retained by 4p votes to 18. Mr 'Wilford then moved the repeat of the danse prohibiting the double iotalisalor.

Mr Hunter supported Mr Wilford’s amendment on the ground that it Avould do more to make racing clean than anything else. Mr Anderson opposed the motion but left the matter to the House.

Mr Savage declared that’ the Avhole business Avas a game of grab between the clubs and ■ the bookmaker. The clubs bad got rid of him, and wanted to do bis job, and shear the lamlpcloser.

Mr J. 8. Dickson warned the racehorse owners in the House that they were going too far, and ran- the risk of the Hbu.se voting the total-a isator out altogether.

The amendment avus lost: by 22 votes to 42. Mr Wilford then moved to repeal the portion of the (danse which prohibits the publication of race dividends, hut this failed by 28 voles to 36, and the Bill was committed.