THE BOOKMAKER AGITATION

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 81, 14 July 1910, Page 4

THE BOOKMAKER AGITATION

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. Replying to a deputation from commercial men and clergy which waited on him to-night in reference to the gambling question, the Hon. G. Fowlds said the Government was quite seized with the fact that a very grave evil had developed from that particular clause in the Gaming Act brought in.a few sessions ago in regard to the licensing of bookmakers. They must remember, however, that this Act was a very great advance upon the gaming laws previously in force in every respect except as far as the bookmakers themselves were concerned. He would remind them of the strong effort made by the Government to pass that measure, and of the fact that it was not possible to secure its enactment without the clause to which he referred, owing to the number of men in the House who believed that as long as the totalisator was allowed to operate the bookmaker should also be allowed to pursue his calling. The particular object of that measure was to confine betting to, the racecourse, but experience showed that not only had it failed to do so, but that gambling had increased. The Government quite recognised the evils arising from the direction indicated, and they were determined to do something of a remedial nature during this session. They all that something had to be done, and done* promptly.