PARLIAMENT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXII, Issue 9007, 21 November 1907, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

THIS DAY. Per Press Assoication. Wellington, November 31. The House mot at 11 a.m. -• In moving the second reading of the Gaming aud Lotteries Act Amendment, the Premier wont on to say that ho had seen many cases where young men had been ruined as a consequence of the easy methods of betting on horse racing, which, m the Bill, it was proposed to abolish. Clauses 3,4, aud 5 related to lotteries which are carried ou outside New Zealand. Clause 0 provides that a constable, who is uow an offender under the law as it exists, shall not ho deemed an offender iu regard to these matters while iu the execution of his duty. . ~ The Premier wont on to road other clauses of the 3Bill v ami explained that under the Bill it was proposed to confine races to racecourses. Clause 39 prevents an officer of a racing club from accepting telegraphic instructions as to investments ou the totalise, tor. Clause 30 prohibits betfciug telegrams of any description from being delivered at racecourses. Clause 31 prohibits advertisements as to betting on horse races. The Premier added that iu Committee he would move a new clause to prohibit tho distribution or posting up of any particulars except ou a racecourse, relating to betting. Mr Herrioa said gambling was a prevalent evil, hut whether the Bill would suppress tho evil was open to doubt. He added that ho agreed with the general policy of the Bill, hut would move certain amendments iu Committee. Mr Fisher said he had an amendment which would „ not interfere with the progress of the Bill, hut would give the House au opportunity of voting on. two straight out issues i (1)‘ ‘ That this House is of the opinion that the time has arrived when the Government shall cease to participate in the revenue derived from totalisator licenses,” (3) “That the number of racing days throughout the Dominoiu shall ho reduced.” _ The Premier said that _ it Air - Fisher desired to kill the Bill ho had gone the right way to do it. Air Fi slier said if that was so ho would withdraw the amendment provided that similar amendments could he moved iu Committee. The Speaker ruled that this could be doue. . The debate was proceeding when the House adjourned at 1 o’clock.