THE GAMING ACT.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13007, 8 January 1908, Page 4

THE GAMING ACT.

. # HOW THE MEASURE IS WORKING.

BETTING NOT CONFINED TO THE RACECOURSE.

In the ecu ree of an interview yesterday morning, the Hon. Dr. Fiudlay stated in reference to t»b© new Gaming; Act, that the large clubs wero giving far las trouble than the smaller once, the latter being inclined to impose impossible conditions. "It is quite clear," the Attoruey-Cieuorai said, "that if clubs like those at Auckland and Christchurch, are content to charge bookmakers £'20 a day, and muhlz their clerks free, it is unreasonable for the &ma!ier clubs to charge L'Jti each for the bookmaker and his clerk. The most influential and best friends of racing in .New Zealand are endeavouring to make section 'Aα work smoothly, and their influence wiil doubtless succeed ia producing this etteot." "The statement has been made," our reporter interposed, "that tho Act does not confine betting to the racecourses altogether." '•'ljha* is so," the Minister admitted readily. "There is a good deal of misconception as to the eifect of the Act. Before it was passed a bookmaker couJd bet anywhere he chose so long as he did not do it on the street or in a common gaming house. The present Act limite the plaoee where hotting may be carried on, but stall leaves it free to the bookmaker to make bete in any place not expressly mentioned or prohibited by tho Act. There is no reason, for instance, why he should not bet in his own home, so long as ho does not make a common gaming house of it, or set up a regular place whore betting is carried on. The cardinal change made by tho Act is that betting upon any contingency excepting horse-racing is illegal. One moy bet on a horse race anywhere, so long as it is not in a place mentioned and prohibited by the Act, such as the street, public places, or a..y regular 'tote , chop." ''Is any improvement noticeable yet?" "Well, from careful enquiries made in Auckland from racing men and the police, I ascertained that tho betterclass bookmakers were strenuously attempting to comply with nil tho conditions of their licenses, and to observe the law. Moreovor, I learned that they are going to do their beet to prevent any of their class bringing anything in the shape of reprisals upon fliem by breaking the law. I believe they are forming some sort of an association, to attempt to maintain some standard of character and financial status as a basis of admission. It is, of course, far too early to decide definitely whether section 35 is going to bo successful in practice or not. Bomo men, experienced in these matters, say the new broom is sweeping clean, and that the bookmakers are on the best of good behaviour in. the meantime. lam not in a position to decide that question. I can only say that the information so fax received is all in their favour."

(riUSS ASSOCIATION TWLT.GItAM}. GREYTOWN. January 7. The first oase under tho Gaming Act will be heard at Martinborough on the 14th inst. j Tho Lower Valley. Jockey Club had the results and dividends of tho first day's races printed on tho race cards for tho second day; but the pnrchaser of the privileges sold the cards at other places than the course. An information hae been lwid agaAnet tho "Greytown Standard," as the printer of the cards, though th© dub wee the publisher.