GAMBLING MANIA-

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8169, 27 June 1906, Page 7

GAMBLING MANIA-

* 1 A meeting, alleged to be r of the Bijou Theatre, Melbourne, on June 9th, for ttie purpose of dis--cussine matters incidental to, the gambling question. The building was orowded in every part, and many were unable to obtain admission. From the beginning of the proceedings it whs evident that a considerable portion of the audience were "out for fun." All the speakers were subjected to good-humoured banter, and the interru ptiona were so frequent and sustained as to disorganise the proceedings. The banneret of the "Society," consisting of a white Australia on a green ground, and bearing the words "Christian Socialists' Labour Platform," was suspended over the stage. Nearly all the speakers expressed sympathy with Mr Wren. Mr Edward Ryan presided. The following resolution was agreed to on tne motion of Mr H. Foran, seconded by Councillor Street, of Richmond: — "That in the opinion of this great gathering of free and Godfearing citizens, the howling 'push' of sanctimonious enufflebuaters who denounce the poor man for igambling a shilling aa a child of wrath, and cringe and orawl to the gilded 'crooks' of the Stock Exchange and the V.R. C., are a -standing menace to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Australia; favourable to a'piebald population, under Chow-Japanese rule; freetrader 10-bob-a-week-wage, 14 houra's work for one hour's pay, • sweating, prison labour, and to every other political and economic abomination that may tend to an additibnal greasing of 'the fat aow,' and should, therefore, be immediately banished from the Commonwealth with Dr Danysz and his microbes, in the interests of peace, order and good government " , Mr Solly, M.L V A„ in supporting the motion, said that the gentlemen' who were taking part in the crusade for the abolition of gambling "Were nothing more than canting poli* tical and religious humbugs. (Laughter ad cheers.) They tackled the tote but were not game to tackle the V.R.C. If tney believed in the prohibition of gambling, then the very root of the matter was to prevent hcrses running. (Cries of "Yes" and "No.") There was more gambling done on the raoeoourse than anywhere else outside the Stock Exchange, Why (iid not these people tackle the V.R.O. and the V.A.T.C.? Because they were wealthy institutions. Look at the churches. Millions of pounds had been spent tor buildings for people to pray in, trhile poor people lived iu hovels. Did they think Jesus Christ, if on earth, would put up buildings like St. Paul's or St Patrick's. He would say, "I will build houses for the poor and oppressed " (Hear, Jbear.J Men like Dr Fitohett, the Kiev Edgar, and Mr Judkios ought to be made to work.