The Wairarapa Daily. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1881.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 3, Issue 951, 16 December 1881, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1881.

We have had an opportunity of observing in this district the practical effect of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, on our race-courses and at a bazaar. It has evidently changed the ordinary aspect of both these institutions, At the former it has to a large extent closed many of the channels through which money was wont to change hands, and it has starved out to a considerable degree a fraternity which required the vigilant attention of the police force, Much of the mimic gambling which has been a special feature of bazaars, and which served to animate them, is now illegal under the Act, and the operation of carrying through a profitable enterprise of this character is more difficult than formerly, So far the public have feared the penalties under the Act, but it is evident that the opinion is gaining ground that its pains and penalties are not intended to be enforced. At the Hutt races the Speaker of the Legislative Council openly violated the spirit and letter of the Act with a view to testing' its legality.. This was a challenge to the Government which carried the measure through the House, and it should lave been promptly accepted, It is reported that the police are not instructed to lay that information against Sir William Fitzhfrbert which his action solicited. Either the Government has failed in its duty or ■ the Gaming and lotteries Act is worthless. It is very desirable that the public should be informed as to. its real position with respect to the measure.' We jio not'lwlievein any act being retained on the statute booVwhich cannot be en. forced. Legislation which can be openly defied by, men. in the position ©£ the speaker of the Legislative Council is not creditable'to either the Government or to t Thg Chinamen who were. fined tbe, pther (lay in Wellington for gambling have a fair claim 'kg' :iaattcr&

The Pastoral and Agricultural News suggests the amalgamation of the proposed Wellington and Masterton Woollen Factories—Mnsterion joining the Wellington Company, and the' works being established in this township, We hope the Committee at Masterton will . make an overture to the promoters of the Wellington Company with a view to carrying'out this excellent suggestion.