HINT OF WHAT N.Z. SPORTSMEN’S BODY DOES NOT SEEK

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 March 1947, Page 5

HINT OF WHAT N.Z. SPORTSMEN’S BODY DOES NOT SEEK

(P.A.) Wellington, March 4. An unsuccessful attempt to have the Commission provide him with a copy of submissions to be presented at the inquiry by the Dominion Sportsmen’s Association was made to-day by Dr. O. C. Mazengarb, appearing on behalf of the Associated Churches. Dr. Mazengarb said his clients felt they could not. make submissions until they knew what the other submissions were, and the Dominion Sportsmen’s Association had declined to supply them with a copy. If their case had been good. Dr. Mazengarb continued, one would have thought that it would stand examination, and he was placed in a position of asking the Commission to supply a copy. Mr. Justice Finlay said this could not be done. He understood the submissions were not official, and were privilege documents unti* Mr. W. E. Leicester (for the association) pre* sented his case. The Commission would give Dr. Mazengarb every opportunity to answer them. Mr- Leicester then told the Commission he had sent a letter to Dr. Mazengarb replying to his request as fob lows: “In view of your opening statement to the Commission Hint the Associated Churches will resist any attempt to make legal those methods oi gambling that arc at present illegal, my client association realises that any criticism of its cas? cannot be other than wholly destructive. In such circumstances, an«l as the future of its members so much at staler, It feels it is not called on to supply u copy unless directed by the Commission so to do. However. It may assist j.m to know that the. association does not seek to have legalised the type of establishments common to South Australia and known as betting shops, nor to legalise the right of the bookmaker to operate on the course.*