CORRESPONDENCE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 262, 15 November 1879, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the 'Evening Maii,.»

Sir,— l saw in to-daj's paper a leading article ht-aded " Gaming and Lotteries Act " showing that it is proposed to forbid bettiug sweepstakes, cards, the throwing of dice, and lotteries, and in fact, every sort of amusement that you would expect to find in public houses and on race-courses. I thiok if such a Bill was passed we should be going back to the twelfth century. I don't believe in gambling of any description, but I think that this Bill, if passed, would put a atop to a great many things that one could not possibly think unlawful, such as raffles and that sort of thing which can do no harm whatever. What is a person to do if he has something to sell aud cannot find any one to buy ? He must either throw it away or give it away, if this Bill is passed, but, if not he can raffle it and get the price he wants for it that way. We have enjoyed freedom for a long time, but if this Bill becomes law more of the same kind will also be passed, and in fact we would not be able to buy the nece*sarj articles for our existence without the consent of Parliament. It reminds me of wbat I read some fourteen years ago in history that people had to get permission from the King (by paying for it) for every thing they wanted, and they could not even marry any one they chose, and very often had to marry those they disliked, aud if we are going to be reduced to the same state I hope I won't be alive to see it.— l am &c K. Y. Z.