GAMING LAW.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 July 1920, Page 5

GAMING LAW.

TO STOP BOOK-MAKING. NO "DOUBLE TOTE." SOME INTERESTING DIVISIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. This evening the House of Representatives went into committee on the Gaining Amendment Bill. Mr. Wilford adversely criticised Clause 4 taking away the onus of proof from the prosecution, which, he said, was contrary to all the principles of British justice. He condemned the severity of the punishments proposed. The Hon. E. P. Lee (Minister of Justice) defended section 4. He said it was not new, and was not fatal to British justice. The same provision was in the licensing law, because a person found on licensed premises after hours was assumed to "oe there in contravention of the law, and he had to satisfy the Court to the contrary. It was simply establishing the principle of prima facie evidence, which was a principle well Known. He contended that ample discretion was given to a magistrate so that punishments wore not unduly severe. Perhaps clause four could be improved, but it was vit%! to the Bill.

Mr. Wilford maintained that if a punishment of one month's imprisonment was imposed by a magistrate under the Bill there was nq appeal from that dooision on the facts of the case, and that was what he objected to. In clause two, Mr. Holland moved to strike out "summary" conviction in order to give an accused person trial by juryThe Hon. E. P. Lee said that if this was agreed to it would nullify the whole effect of the Bill.

The Hon. G. J. Anderson (Minister of Internal Affairs) said the Bill had been very carefully considered, and if the House was going to cut it about in all directions, then they were simply helping to prop up the bookmaker. Mr. Fra<er contended that the bookmaker should at least have,, the same rights as a thief or a mt;rctcrer. After fuijther discussion, the Minister agreed to accept Mr. Holland's amendment, and "summary" conviction was struck out, and the punishment was amended to* "not exceeding" £IOO and "not exceeding" one month's imprisonment.*

Clauses 2 and 3, as amended, were passed. In clause 4 the words "knowingly" before issued, or "knowingly been a party to the issue of any card," etc., were inserted.

On' the question that, clause four as amended stand part of the Bill, a further lengthy discussion took place on the principle of the clause. A division was called for at 10.55 p.m., when the clause was retained by 40 votes to 18. The. remainder of the clauses were passed unamended.

Mr. Wilford moved as a new clause: "Section 31 of the Gaming Act, 1908, is hereby repealed." T f this was carried, he explained, it would permit racing clubs to establish a double totalisator. Messrs. Hunter and Glenn supported the proposal, because" they said it would counteract the operations of the bookmaker. The Hon. G. J. Anderson and Mr. Isitt opposed the clause. Mr. Savage said he was astounded at tlie amendment and tlie support given to it by representatives of the racing clubs. It looked as if the clubs were eager to get rid of the bookmaker in order that they might do the bookmaker's job themselves. The bookmaker shore the sheep close, but, the club wanted, to get some" of the pelt itself Mr. Dickson (Parnell) said that if this amendment was carried it would be the first step towards a crusade for the abolition of the totalisator altogether. The Hon. W. H. Nosworthy said the simple totalisator made for straigliter racing than with the Rouble totalisator on the course.

Mr. Wilford admitted that he did not know whether the double totalizator would kill the bookmaker, or not, but racing clubs thought it would, and had asked for it.

On a division, the amendment was lost by 42 votes to 22. Mr. Wilford moved a further amendment, which would legalise (lie publication of totalizator dividends. He thought others besides those who were on the course should have an opportunity of knowing what the dividend was. The amendment was lost by 36 votes to 28.

Air Parry moved a new clause, providing that, the rules of racing must he submitted to the registrar of industrial unions before a permit to race was.issued, the object being that the safety of those engaged in connection wiflt races would be assured. The Hon. Sir William Kerries raised a point of order tliat the amendment was dealing with the control of racing, and not with gaming, and it was therefore irrelevent to the Bill.

The Speaker, on being called in, ruled that the amendment was out of orilcr and could not be considered. Mr. I sit t moved a new clause: "That notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the principal Act, 110 further license for the use of the totalizator be issued or renewed on and after the passing of this Act." The amendment was not debated, and, on a division, it was lost by 55 votes to 6, those voting for it being Messrs. Suliivan, Howard, MeCombs, Craigie, Eadie, and Isit.t.

The Bill was then reported from committee with amendments, and the House adjourned at 12.28 a.m.