"UN-BRITISH."

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3533, 22 July 1920, Page 5

"UN-BRITISH."

TO PUT ONUS ON BOOKMAKER. Opposing clause i of the Gaming Bill nutting the. onus of proof on the bookmakers, because it was not British, Mr R. W. Smith (Waimarino) cited the case of a farmer who. on going to the races, had taken the precaution of making sure that there would be some whisky available when he got back. He laid in a case, and as lie backed a winner or two he was very popular. He treated a number of his friends in right royal fashion, and after a very brief interval the subsequent proceedings interested him no more. But he awoke next morning—— Mr L. M. I'sitt (Christchureh North): \V;is it as bad as that? (Laughter). Mr Smith: He awoke next morning to find that the whole of the cast? of whisky had disappeared, and he was brought, up before the court and accused of selling sly grog. The court decided that" he would have to prove that"he was innocent. But as he was only in the fun for a few minutes so far as he was chance had he of proving that? (Laugh:er). Mr Isitt: He did not avoid the appearance of evil. (Laughter). Mr Smith: No; he was too guileless for that. (Laughter).