TO OUTWIT THE "BOOKIE.'

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1920, Page 4

TO OUTWIT THE "BOOKIE.'

DRASTIC LEGISLATION PROPOSED. I HEAVY PENALTIES PROVIDED. (By Wire—Parliamentary Reporter) • Wellington, Last Night. The Gaming Amendment Bill' was circulated during the week end. The evident purpose of the Bill is to make it unprofitable for any person either to carry on the business of bookmaking, or to bet with bookmakers. The operative clauses of the Bill run as follows: The business or occupation of a bookmaker is hereby declared to be unlawful. Every person carrying on such Dullness or occupation commits an offence under this Act, and is liable .on summary conviction to a fine of £SOO, or to imprisonment for a term of two yean, ~ Every person who makes a bet with a bookmaker commits an , offence against ithis Act, and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of £IOO, or to imprisonment for a term of one month.. In any prosecution' for an offence against this Act the fact that A per#on has directly or indirectly offered to make a bet, or has issued, or has been & party to the issue of any card or circular Indicating in any manner, where or with whom a bet may be made, or stating the odds upon or against any horse or event, shall be sufficient evidence, until the contrary is proved, thai such penon is carrying on the business or occupation of a bookmaker. No person shall be deemed to commit an offence against this Act by reason merely of the fact that he has made a bet with any other person upon any particular event, unless it is part of the business of occupation of either of such persons to make bets. Another provision relating to the removal of bookmakers from racecourses runs: A bookmaker may be removed from a racecourse by an agent or servant of the racing club having the use or control of that racecourse or by any constable. It is provided also that totalis&tor betting may be carried on as at present permitted by law.