GONE TO THE DOGS.

Shannon News, 16 September 1927, Page 2

GONE TO THE DOGS.

CHILDREN AND THE "TIN HARE"

Sydney has abjolutely "gone to the dogs," and is gambling mad. Rev. F. W. Tugwell said as much when he moved a motion at the conference of the representatives of the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney that "this conference views with dismay the recent decision of the Attorney-General, permitting increased facilities for gambling by the introduction of betting at the dog races." Rev. Tugwell declared that the sport was no longer coursing, but dog racing. Before the "tin hare" made its appearance a coursing meeting was fortunate to have an attendance of 2000. Now, he said, there is an average attendance of 30,000 every Saturday night. It is distressing, he said, to watch diminutive boys of eleven and twelve years making bets. The future of the boys was in jeopardy as a result of this.

Rev. Tugwell said that he had visit? ed the course in company with another clergyman. They were accosted by a small boy, who said, "Say, Gov'nor, put two bob on a dog for me." ""This to a minister" of the Church mind you! " said Rev. Tugwell. "In spite of this, I could name some of our most prominent churchmen who hold shares in the company," declared Rev. Tugwell. He even knew of a church warden who held shares.

The conference decided that a deputation be sent to the Attorney-General in connection with the matter.