THE LOTTERY.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 251, 23 August 1928, Page 4

THE LOTTERY.

i Whether it would be productive or unproductive, a State lottery for ; hospital maintenance, as suggested by the Manawatu Farmers' Union, would be unsound. Australia, and New Zealand too, have recent experience of where such movements lead. A “ golden casket ” or similar gambling venture may have a glittering success, but soon it is followed by other ventures. The money is harder to find, and gradually the net return from the lottery falls, until finally the charitable purpose, which is the excuse for the gamble, may receive only one pound in each five contributed, or even less. All thp rest may go in prizes and “organisation.” No one can suggest that this is economic. In fact the “ organisation ” cost is sheer waste. It is no answer to say that the gambling would go on in any case and this would keep the money in the country. The money could not he kept in the country without sending a great amount more after it. Apart from the gambling argument, there is a sound business reason against the State lotteries. | Hospital service is a business and j should be financed by business meth- i ods (more businesslike than at

I present if possible) so as to assure j watchfulness and check against extravagance. What business | finding his income diminishing, would think of making up a “ book ” or organising a sweepstake to put him on the right side ? Occasionally some man may adopt such methods, and the result is usually revealed before the Official Assignee in Bankruptcy or made the basis of a plea for leniency before a Supreme Court judge.—Evening Post.