THE TOTALISATOR.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 36, 11 February 1880, Page 6

THE TOTALISATOR.

(A'cw Zealander). The of late much talked of totalisator was introduced to the Wellington public yesterday, and a general verdict in its favor was returned We have no hesitation in commending it es one of the fairest betting contrivances that was ever devised, and that it strikes, in a direct and unmistakeable manner at tbe root of that blot of the racecourse, and of modern society — tbe betting ring. The totalisator is simple in construction and working, and is singularly candid and above board, revealing as it does to the glance, firstly, the number of horses in tbe race ; secondly, tbe exact extent to which each horse is backed, and thus the odds are declared; and thirdly, the amount of money wagered upon the race in i that particular totalisator. Tbe one of yesterday did business in £1 tickets — nothing less and nothing more — whioh was much upon a par with £1 sweeps, only with tbe totalisator tbe horses were selected, beforehand and in tbe sweeps they are drawn for haphazard. As for the money deposited in a totalisator on one race, the amount is equally divided, less 10 per cent, amongst tbe holders of the winning horse. It was amusing yesterday to note the manner in which tbe totalisator was consulted and not once did it deceive. There, in plain figures on its broad face, was the state of { tbe betting market, and os soon as betting ou the race closed, boldeis of tickets could calculate to a fraction

what they stood to win or lose in the event of the horse or horses they held winning or losing. About £1000 passed through Messrs Hill and Poole's totalisator yesterday, and as there was very little outside betting this quite demoralised the " ring." That venerable and iniquitous institution suffered dreadfully yesterday between the " new-fangled innovation " and Foul Play's victory. The gratification of the.public was about equally divided between the woYking of tbe totalisator and the win in the cup race of the clever little horse. It was known that our Bporting Governor held an interest in the animal, and that coming out of the stables with which he was connected the horse would be run fair and square upon his merits, and that meant that every horse which started would have to go for it, aod, barring accidents, that the best; foot must win.'. And so it proved; there was no getting at Foul Play in any way, and bis victory created genuine enthusiasm, which said a great deal in ; favor of a prevailing love of fair racing on the part of the public, We can commend the wise discretion of the Jockey Club in permitting the introduction of tbe totalisator, and also that of Colonel Reader in countenancing it. It should be an adjunct of every race meeting. -