THE GAMBLING EVIL.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 165, 14 July 1910, Page 6

THE GAMBLING EVIL.

(To the Editor.) Sir,-rl am extremely glad to see that your able paper is-taking up the movement against the gambling craze of New Zealand. I should like to point out that to mitigate, and eventually stamp out this evil, those who are fighting it should begin: at the primary cause, or; at least, one of the great contributing causes. At most sales of work—some connected with our churches—at bazaars,- fancy fairs, etc., fascinating young ladies implore young men to do a. little gambling |in cushions, cosies, pictures, or similar articles. But they do not confine their attentions to those who ought to be old enough to know the .insidious sin which lies beyond the apparently simple act of risking their money on a slight chance of a win; they approach pur innocent wee girls or bonnie little laddies, and say, coaxingly, "'Won't you ask your' mother for sixpence, or a shilling, to put in for this lovely doll or boat?" And these mites grow up, feeling that it is quite right to risk money, with the possibility of losing it, either in a raffle, a sweepstake, the totalisator, or in any i legalised or illegal form of gambling and betting. How can the Ministers' Association preach on this subject with clear consciences?—l am, etc., L. F. RATTRAY. [Arthur Cummings also urges that the churches should set a worthy example in this matter.] (To the Editor.) Sir, —If the age of miracles has passed, and the golden age is following we still have the age of cant. What is all this row about the evil effects of gambling? If our business men are sincere, if they would build up the fabric of commercial integrity on a sure basis,, let them by all means commence at once and put their own houses in order. If temptation to steal is strong and powerful to sway a man earning a handsome salary, what must it be to the hundreds of assistants who are not getting a. living wage 1 Is it any wonder the knock down- system, so I much practised in America, where the wages are low, is beginning to show its evil effects here?—l am, etc., PRO BONO PUBLICO.