PROGRESSIVE EUCHRE PARTIES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3762, 3 March 1928, Page 2

PROGRESSIVE EUCHRE PARTIES.

DEPUTATION TO PRIME MINISTER. Christchurch, March 1. A large deputation, including many women, some with children, waited on the Prime Minster this morning and asked for an alteration of the Gaining Act so as to legalize progressive euchre paities. Mr. S. J. Howard, M.P., said that he had never known anyone ruined by progressive euchre, which was an innocent game used to raise money for good objects. Mr. W. Harvey representing the school committees, explained that euchre parties were used to raise _money for school needs such as swimming baths. Replying, Mr. Coates said that the only possible objection he would think was whether people should play cards or not. He would refer the matter to the Minister of Justice and to the Attorney-General to investigate the legal position. The Prime Minister added that the Judge in a recent case had no option but to 'accept the law as it stood. He was pleased that the deputation recognized that. One or two points occurred to him: It must be considered whether the parties might encourage young people to play cards for money. Though it was quite clear . from the statements made that no money was played for, there was an entrance fee and money prizes were provided. Whether the position could be met by giving some kind of trophies he could not say. A member of the deputation said that no money prizes were paid. Mr. Coates: That point should be emphasized.