FAN-TAN AND POKER.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2516, 25 August 1888, Page 1 (Supplement)

FAN-TAN AND POKER.

Commenting on a recent raid by the Syduey policc on " a Chinese gambling den," the Australasian has the following : —" Whatcau fan-tan be !Is it a pure, game of chance like the dice which arc thrown uight after night in hotelbars (though forbidden by the licensing Statute), or a game of skill like poker, which is played until all hours of the moruiug in the most respectable of clubs and private houses ? Or is it like the raffling which goes on at Churcli bazaars ? And if the Chinese were to take to poker (after the example of the nation which keeps up an efficient police force on purpose to put down gambling), would constables continue to make raids upon them, and magistrates continue to send them to gaol ? lu the eyes of Chinese philosophers we must seem to be either the greatest hypocrites upon earth or the crueliest persecutors. If they were to take a walk down Bourke-street, they would see a building, lofty and showy without, and maguificently furnished within. It is dedicated to betting and kindred amusements. The most honorable men in the community patronise it. • In Swaustoustreet stands a building which is a still finer specimen of street architecture, but the furnishing is poor. It is the police court, erected among other things, for the punishment of Chinese who gamble when they ought to be reading hymn books and Bibles. We punish them for their good, because gambling is harmful in inferior race. If they were more refined and civilised Ihsy would bet on horses or pigeon shooting, or play cards, and their minds would be improved, instead of debased, by such wholesome recreation. The simplicity of fan tan is what makes it shocking to European eyes.".