THE GAMING ACT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2716, 3 April 1924, Page 3

THE GAMING ACT.

A COURAGEOUS MAGISTRATE,

PUBLIC ENCOURAGE BOOK-

MAKERS,

Tn view of certain recent events, criticism of the Police Force for failure to round up persons suspected of, or known to be, breaking the Gaming Act, would appear to be unwarranted. The law, as is well known, is hedged with difficulties, Iml in -pito of this the police in the various centres have shown commendable activity. Prominence has been given during the last week or two to the. case of a Government servant, who convicted and imprisoned for betting, was made the subject of a vigorous public protest, and not only released, but actually reinstated in his civil position. Under such, circumstances the police may he pardoned if they relax their efforts to bring law-breakers of this sort to book, and Magistrates for being unwilling to inflict penalties sufficient to act as a deterrent. After fining several persons convicted in Auckland of betting, Mr Boynton, S.M., announced that in the future he would sentence to imprisonment. He was courageous enough to be as good as liis word, and the sentences have ranged from seven days up to two months. One of the persons sentenced to two months’ imprisonment appealed to the Supreme Court against the decision, but be received very short shrift from Mr Justice Reed. In the course of his judgment His Honour said that bookmaking was one of the greatest curses in New Zealand and was responsible for as much crime as liquor. He had no sympathy whatever with such offenders. At Te Arolm last month Mr. Parr promised, as Minister of Justice, to do something to alleviate matters, but the release of a. convicted person will not assist the police to enforce the Act. Unfortunately public opinion appears to be decidedly on tbe side of the odds merchants. Owners and others connected with racing, have given their word of honour that they will not bet, with the bookmakers, lint, it is an open secret that even stewards of racing clubs bet illegally. Tbe whole business smacks of hypocrisy and taking it all round it is a marvel that the game is as clean as it is.—Dominion.