Among the Departments

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 10, 1 November 1948, Page 2

Among the Departments

ANTI-GAMBLING Superintendent, Mrs. Pirrett It has been clear for some time that ,a reasoned statement should be made concerning the Gambling business. The appointment by the Government of a Gambling Commission has brought before the public that the need for investigation into this matter is now urgent. Social observers are, one must believe, unanimous that the evils arising from gambling are more widely spread and socially harmfu' than ever before in the history of New Zealand. T he public and politicians are ever ready to yield to the pressure of vested interests connected with this major problem of gambling. The problems arising from gambling are as old as civilisation itself, and there is a general acceptance of the fact that the consequences are harmful. No one would venture seriously to challenge the evil consequences of betting on the social and moral welfare of the working classes. Reasons for the increase of gambling in New Zealand are not hard to find. Wars and rumours of wars have made life more precarious and money more plentiful, the influences of organised religion are disappearing and there is none whose particular duty it is to place an intelligent and scientific ethical view before old and process of education there is no time set aside for discussion of the difference between right and wrong, of social and anti-social conduct. Ministers of the Crown, Patriotic Associations and even some of the Churches, by their actions proclaim that raffles and consequently gambling are good and virtuous, while the name Art Union informs the world that those whose quest is the quest of beauty are justified in disposing of their wares on the doctrine of chance. GAMBLING DEFINED The act of gambling may be said to be a transaction between two or more parties in which property is disposed of by stake or wager by some method in which chance is the determining factor. A proper understanding of this definition disposes of some of the confusion which arises as soon as a discussion of the subject begins. Gambling connotes in the first place, a disposal of property. To toss before a football match is to submit to chance, but it is not to gamble—there is no disposal of property. To use chance as a method of decision in a land ballot is not gambling. As far as one party is concerned the property has already been disposed of, and the only question for decision is which of two or more equals shall prevail in ownership; there is no stake or wager, one piece of property against another. The opening gambit of the enemy in a discussion on gambling is to say that all the world’s a gamble—we cannot

get away from chance; “why worry?” That there are a great many chances in life is not to be denied, but most of them have nothing to do with gambling. Gambling involves the deliberate acceptance of chance as the determining element in a wager. WHAT CAN WE DO AS W.C.T.U. MEMBERS? We see the need for more education of the young of school age. No boy or girl should leave school without some knowledge of the principles of human conduct and behaviour. The law against illegal gambling should be strictly enforced and action taken to reduce raffles and art unions, restriction of publicity by the Pres*and Broadcasting. The suggestion that New Zealand shoulff save mohev by instituting State Lotteries comes naturally from those who see no harm in gambling, who do not recognise it as a social evil, and in the end we come back to this —how can we best encourage inen and women to discard the Gods of Chance and Chaos and cleave to those of reason and security? To see the way we are going it is of the utmost importance that we shall trust neither our fortunes or li\es to tilings beyond and outside our control and should so direct our thoughts and actions that they shall be in harmony with our inner selves, and with that greater harmony which comprehends the individual, the social, and the human good. Dear Sisters, The time has again arrived for all Unions to report the work done during ihe year. Questionnaires are just being sent out to Unions. Will you reply promptly, telling every bit of work done? Nothing is too small, so do not leave anything out thinking it is of no account. Please note new address: Mrs. M. Pirrett, 1132 New North Road, Mount Albert, Auckland. WORK AMONG SEAMEN Letter from Timaru The following extract is from a letter acknowledging a parcel sent from a local Union to the “Rest.” “VVe all were thrilled with the contents. I think your Union deserves a special ‘Thank you.* The scarves we usually donate for prizes, and the men do appreciate them so much, especially now, going home for the English winter.” “We entertained the seamen of the ‘Corinthic’ last night. It was a fine sight to see so many young men there. Billiards and ping-pong and ‘fishing’ games, and so on, were enjoyed. Our billiard table is now in excellent condition, £6O having recently been spent on reconditioning it, and six new cues.

It certainly proves a great attraction for the men. In fact, they tell us it is the best table in N.Z. 1 only wish all our members could see these men; how they enjoy the open fire and homely touch. Supper is served about 9 p.m., and then ditty bags are distributed We pray God may keep them all, and may ou r influence be a deterrent against the terrible evils they face when in port. \\ e noticed truckload;* of empty bottles on the wharf oft the ship. It make* one feel sad really when one thinks how eager all these brewing combines are to make young men drunkards. “Miss Drew is still a tower of strength to us all.” L.T.L. DEPARTMENT Superintendent, Mr*. W. Moore, Warkworth Dear Fellow Workers, i hope you have enjoyed your work with the LT.L. during this short and -difficult year. Many could not begin meetings till May. I hope you found, as 1 did, that the long break made the children keen to commence. The attendance at the eight meetings we have held have been higher than in previous years. I am sending Questionnaires to all L T.L.’s reported in this year’s Handbook. Should any other Union be working L.T.L.’s, please let me know. May 1 iiere congratulate Belmont and Mrs. Spencer cn the splendid results achieved in the Temperance Examinations ? Sincerely vours, W. MOORE. SOCIAL AND MORAL HYGIENE Superintendent, Mr*. F. W. Mountjoy, 78 Quadrant Road, Onehunga, Auckland Dear Friends, Now that the district Conventions are over, will the Superintendents of Social and Moral Hygiene and Health and Nutrition Departments kindly forward their reports to me as soon as possible? As the coining Dominion Convention will be held earlier than usual we ntust all make an effort, and until I receive your reports I cannot compile mine. I hope they will be good reports this year, and that you have all worked in this most important department. Thanking you. Yours sincerely, R. M. MOUNTJOY MAORI DEPARTMENT Superintendent, Miss C. M. McLay MAORI GIRLS HOSTEL REPORT BY CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE Dear Friends, 1 am sure that you will be glad to know that the work is still being carried out at the Maori Girl’s Hostel. 9 Cleveland Road. Parnell. Auckland The Matron, Mrs. Long, is as keen as

ever, and is having an influence <>n the girls that will long be remembered. They take to her their joys and troubles, knowing that she will gi\e ear and wise ;ouncil. There are usually 25 in residence. Considerable improvements have been carried out in the interior of the house, and the root has been painted. These days of high prices make us go slowly, but we arc looking forward to painting the exterior as soon as funds are available. In making vour allocations this year, I hope you will remember our Hostel Funds. Yours sincerely, R. M. MOUNT JOY, Chairman of Committee. EVANGELISTIC DEPARTMENT Superintendent. Mias E. M. Appleby How quickly the months go by. Now we think again of annual reports. I would be glad if all Unions would send reports as soon as possible after the annual meeting in November. I should receive one from every Union, because the Devotional Feriod is observed by all. Please report to Miss E. M. Appleby, Maori Girls’ Hostel, 60 Shelley Beach Road. Herne Bay, AUCKLAND, YV.I.