BANNING THE BOOKIE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3523, 9 July 1920, Page 6

BANNING THE BOOKIE.

A CONTEST OF VVITS.

CHRISTCHURCH, July 7

“The bookmakers are beating us in some ways, but, like all reforms, the change must be brought about gradu- . afiy and as occasion arises, -’,’ said Mr A. T. Markman (assistant secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department), when asked what had been the effect'of the recently gazetted regulations dealing with suppression of bockmaking. Mr Markman stated further that in pursuance of powers conferred by Order-in-Council the department had deprived several persons in Christchurch. as well as in other centres of New Zealand, of their post office ‘boxes, which had been proved to be used in connection with betting transactions. ~ Several telephones used for the same purpose had also been disconnected The department took no risks. but. having ‘satisfied itself that either a telephone or a post ‘office box was being used contrary to the law, took the necessary steps. When the new regulations came into force the betting fraternity, operating through the telegraph service, adopted a code which served its purpose for the time. Telegraph ofiicials obtained the key to th'é code, which naturally became ineffective. Other codes have been attempted, but-the department’s officials are alert in the matffer. Bookmakers in Christchurch are said to consider that the regulations are hitting them hard