THE BETTING LAW IN FRANCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1297, 7 October 1876, Page 17

THE BETTING LAW IN FRANCE.

Turf speculation has been somewhat under a cloud in Franco, for several years past. Just after the war, this form of gambling took a wide range. Dozens of large establishments were opened in central locations, in which, day and night, extensive betting of every kind, on foreign as well as on the French races, was actively carried on. Very properly, the authorities decided to abolish thoae hot-beds of vice, and repress the spreading passion for play ; unfortunately, however, their zeal caused them to overstep the bounds of moderation, and their recent harsh decisions have given rise to the annoyance and disgust of all who take interest in sporting matters. The measures taken by those in power, uncertain and contradictory, alternately indulgent and severely repressive, have caused general discontent, justified by proceedings in many cases most arbitrary. The blind severity of the authorities in this case has given an arm to tho enemies of the present form of government, who assert that, during tho Empire, such restrictions and potty vexations were unknown, and that one of the chief aims of the head of the State was to encourage, rather than oppose, the public in the enjoyment of a legitimate pastime. In every respect, the late laws against gambling have proved objectionable, as it has now become evident that they utterly fail in accomplishing the effect they were intended to encompass. Betting is as general as over ; but guarantees of solvability are now do longer afforded, and sportsmen are at the mercy of tho professionals with whom they bet, who possess no establishment or office, and are in no wise deterred from taking French leave,

should they make a bad book, or .-see- fit to pocket the money confided to them. Every day such cases occur, exciting tho impotent rage of the unfortunate victims. The only remedy to Buch state of things would be to render betting legal, under certain restrictions, and only permit it to be exercised as a trade by persons .reepgnized reliable. Several weeks since, the court gave a decision on this subject, by which the above-named plan was adopted, with one important exception, however. A trial had been instituted Of the principal professionals convicted of having infringed the regulations imposed last year,' on turf speculation. Heavy fines were inflicted, and a decree passed, by which betting will in future be permitted in the ring, npon the deposit of a large sum, as caution money. This is a most excellent rule, but its good effect is entirely spoiled, as betting is entirely prohibited on the track. So puerile a distinction naturally created the most intense annoyance among those the state of whose finances will no! permit them to indulge in the coitly luxury of a ticket for the ring, but who are none the less fond of iport arid ipeculation in a small way. Great complaint has arisen at this apparent endeavour to debar the less wealthy, from advantages accorded to those with whom economy is no object, and it is very much to be hoped that so foolish a law will shortly be repealed. '

The knowing ones who so constantly assert Mr W. G. Grace to be on the down line, will no doubt be re-assured by his marvellous performance at Grirnsby on the three first days of tho week. How he went in first on Monday, and after being in two whole days, was ultimately not out with 400 to his name, is now mattor of cricket history. I am told that he did not give the slightest chance until he had made over 200, and that in the outfield the grass was in some places so long that the hits were greatly decreased in .value. That Mr Grace should not have got fi»e runs more, and have outdone Mr E. H. Tylecote's 404 not out, at Clifton, in 1868, is a matter for public lament. Hundreds, I think, would have sacrificed their scruples if tho scorers could only have insidiously added five runs to his score oh the sheets. Anyhow, the feat' will be a satisfaction to the thousands who take an interest in the cricket shown by the greatest cricketer of this or any other age. After 400 runs, and an innings of nearly three days, to go on to bowl firat fcgainit the twenty-two, wai only another Instant* of Mr Grace's gluttony for 'work. ' ' In the only partly populated American State (Tennessee), the dog assessment from only thirty counties (or nearly one-third) shows that it contains 70,780 dbg*; and only 47,574 men. The population' of tho*» counties must have a great admiration for the canine family. ' ' ' ' ' •

Cook, the billiard champion, has lately shown that he has not left hia cue idle during the summer months.' In a recent match with Stanley at Wandsworth,' he made a remarkable break of over 500 off the spot.

We regret to announce the suddbh death of Tom Box, whioh occurred lately. This famous Sussex wicket-keeper • had been ground keeper at Prince's since it was opened, and will be much regretted by frequenters of the ground. He was in his 68th year. His first appearance in" a great match was at Lord's, in 1832. ' For the Lyttelton regatta, to be held on the Ist January, 1877, there aro 12 events, including the Champion Sailing Race, Ist prize £100 ; Champion' Yacht Race, prize £75, and the New Zealand Shipping Co.'s Cup ; and InterproVincial Champion Race, in four-oared whaleboats, prize £50.