AGAINST RAFFLES.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 368, 24 February 1937, Page 5

AGAINST RAFFLES.

Opposition Expressed By Show Councillor. Press Association —Copyright. Palmerston North, Feb. 23. Strong exception was taken by Mr. A. C. R. Munro (Ohingaiti) to a proposal made at a meeting of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association executive to-day to' raffle a pony at the next show to aid the association funds. Mr. Munro declared he would sooner be without the money than raise it by such means.

‘‘Do you mean this association has descended to raffling?” he asked. “Because other associations have done it, it is no reason why we should.” Mr HT. R. Hodder, honorary treasurer, said he felt the same on principle as Mr. Munro, but the majority ruled.

‘‘We want the money,” said Mr. E. A. Shand. “We are £15,000 in debt, and the only way to get free of it is to go out and grab the money.” Mr Munro replied that it was. a cruel proposal. Many children who would love to have the pony would go to their money-boxes for a shilling to buy a ticket in the raffle. All but one would be disappointed. “There is too much of this, and the authorities are encouraging it,” he said. “There is a regrettable spirit in this country of trying to get as much as one can and giving nothing for it. It is wrong and it is encouraging the gambling element. We might, as well start a Monte Carlo in the association buildings. We want to obtain money by free gifts, not by gambling and raffling.” The proposal was adopted, Mr. Munro voting against it.