ON THE BOOKMAKERS' TRAIL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 77, 9 July 1910, Page 6

ON THE BOOKMAKERS' TRAIL.

BUSINESS MEN'S CRUSADE. ] Auckland, July 6. A great deal of interest is being manifested in commercial circles in Auckland in the question of deciding what steps' shall be -adopted to give practical effect to the recent remarks of Mr. Justice Chapman upon the extent of the gambling evil, and particularly in regard to" the bookmakers. The matter has been actively taken up by the merchants, many of whom have already approached tl>> Auckland Mi'nisters'Association upon 1 V.n subject. To-day a strong committee, consisting of nearly 20 of the leading business men, was formed to vigorously prosecute the campaign in favor of an amendment of the law. It is stated that the number of bookmakers plying their calling at the Auckland Racing Club's meetings during the past year .has ranged from 30 to 50 per day, and that as much as €IOOO a day has been paid by them in-j license fees. i It is stated by one business man, who : has gone into figures, that, since the< present Act was passed in 1007, gamb-j ling has increased three or four-fold, and it is submitted that, as practically I the sames amount as formerly has been l put through the totalisator, the great! increase must be due to the licensing of the bookmakers.