STRONG OBJECTION

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 121, 24 May 1941, Page 10

STRONG OBJECTION

GAMBLING FOR FUNDS

FOR PATRIOTIC PURPOSES (0.C.) NEW PLYMOUTH, this day. The methods by which some of the money has been raised for patriotic purposes, with particular reference to forms of gambling, were strongly criticised at a meeting of the New Plymouth patriotic committee's executive. "There is no doubt about it, things have got a little too hot," remarked Mr. A. B. Witten-Hannah.

A motion was put forward to the effect that a direction be given to all persons or organisations granted permits for entertainments or appeals that the executive strongly disapproved of the excessive use of forms of gambling as a means of raising money for patriotic purposes.

It was pointed out by the mover (Mr. Witten-Hannah) that, while they were fighting the war as a righteous war, people spent Saturday nights gambling and then on Sunday morning attended services of intercession. He was not acting in a selfrighteous way, as he was prepared to take his share of the responsibility for allowing it to go on. He specifically used the word excessive, as it was not the things themselves that were harmful, it was their abuse. Mr. Witten-Hannah said that he was not casting any reflection upon the people in charge.