CORRESPONDENCE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5096, 6 August 1895, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

THEANTT-CrAMBLINGBILL: Ml! HOGG APPHOVKS. [to tue editor.] Siit,--Dr, Johnson (of Dictionary fame) was onco asked by a lady why he had defined "'pastern" as the '■ knee of a horse." This great scholar, with characteristic intolligonce and honesty, said, "pure ignorance, madam." 1 respectfully submit an answer of a somewhat similar nature should ho given by you with regard to your misrepresentation of the contents of Mr W. Hutchison's Bill. Clause 3 that you refer to refutes your statement that the Bill makes it a punishable offence to report pusl events in the shape of totalisator reiurus. Is it necessary to remind you that tlio word "contingency" means "an unforeseen event," pr " accidental possibility ?" The Bill does lay an arresting hand on pressmen inciting to the vice of betting or wagering by publishing tips, betting odds, or advice on unforeseen events, i.e. the results of future horse races, etc.; but it lays no arresting band on tho publication of past events. The Bill is one that Mr Hutchison takes no credit to himself in framing. It was drawn up in England and met with tho approval of master niiuds of the Joseph Cook stamp-of men like Hugh Price Hughes, Percy Bunting, and of the representatives of nearly ovory section of the Christian Church. It has met with the cordial approval of W.'l'. titead, and his Australian editor, Mr Fitchctt, In New Zealand its chief clause lias met with the cordial approval of pressmen, such as the | editor of the Otaijo Vuilij Times, and the member for Masterton, Mr A. W, Hogg. When you study the Bill let us hope that that you will take sides with those who seek to suppress newspaper incitements to vice. —1 am, etc., Ronnirr Wood.