CHINESE GAMES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 202, 24 August 1904, Page 3

CHINESE GAMES.

DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE. (By Telegraph.—Fa rli.-itnentary Reporter.) ! WELLINGTON, this day. "The ways that are dark and tricks that are vain" of the heathen Chinee were discussed at some length in the House last night. The Gaming and Lotteries Act was under consideration, and the clause making pakapoo illegal ' evoked discussion. Several members protested against the Chinese being intertered with in their own homes so long as they played their games anion" themselves and did not harm Europeans, the argument being used that the Chinese should not be interfered with unless games of chance were also prohibited amongst Europeans. Several members also objected to any distinction being made between PAKAPOO AND CHURCH BAZAARS. The Minister in charge of the bill (Mr. McGowan) declared "that the Chinese kept open house in their gambling, that provision was necessary to prevent the morals of the youth of the country being destroyed. The House was against the Minister, however, and Mr. Alison moved to delete the eluase. with the object of substituting a clause providing n penalty of £100 being inflicted on any Europeans i'ouj.l taking part in the games of pakapoo or fantan.

The Minister urged the House to stick to the clause, but it was lost on the voices. Before the new clause could be moved the Minister moved to report progress on the bill, and this was agreed to by 40 to 13, the bill being thus shelved.