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Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 9016, 30 December 1907, Page 4

The Gaming Act still fornix a prolific topic for Press comment and explanation. The Auckland "Star" has discovered what the anti-bettors will probably consider to be a serious flaw in the measure. "Since the passing of the Gaming Act," remarks our contemporary, "it has been generally presumed that the measure confined betting to racecourses, and that any bets made off the course were in contravention of the law. This is an erronoeus idea, for nowhere does the Act say that betting shall be limited to the course. It does provide places where betting may not be indulged in—street, common gaminghouses, and so on—but outside these places one may bet when and how he chooses. Thus, it would be perfectly feasible for a bookmaker in Christchurch to make a book on the present Auckland Racing Club's meeting so long as he kept clear of places wherein, according to the Act, it is illegal to bet."

The unfortunate drowning accident whereby Miss Hilda Cook lost her life in the Ruamahanga river emphasises the importance of the yoush of both sexes learning to swim. The lamentable event referred to was solely due to ignorance of the art of swimming. The lad could not swim, the courageous girl who heroically went to his assistance could not swim, and the man, who, unfortunately, arrived too late in any circumstances to rescue the victim, could not swim either. The Park Lake and swimming baths should be supported and encouraged in the interests of public safety. The main rivers about Masterton are mountain streams, running through shingly country, and are dangerous to bathers who cannot swim. It is therefore very desirable that swimming should constitute part of the education of our youngfolk.