THE TOTALISATOR.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14404, 11 July 1912, Page 7

THE TOTALISATOR.

REPORT OF THE NEW SOUTH WALES COMMISSION. MAJORITY "AGAINST THE MACHINE. A MINORITY REPORT. United Press Association— By Electric Tele-graph—Copyright. (Received July 10th, 9.10 p.m.) SYDNEY, July 10. The report of tho Totalisator Commission has been published. The majority report, against the machine, is signed by six members. After stating that, while the enquiry was thorough and comprehensive, the bulk of the evidence was tendered by interested persons, it says that the general public, who find the wholo of the money, was singularly apathetic. Tho machine undoubtedly provides a fair system of betting, and, to a very large extent, lessens tho evils of credit betting, but does not suppress tho worst forms of street and hhop betting. Perhaps to a lesser extent this flourishes in New Zealand than in other Status. Tho totalisator is fascinating, and attracts many who would not bet with a bookmaker. It i,s natural to assume that its introduction means an increase in betting and in bettors.

Believing that racing has already reached abnormal proportions in the metropolitan area, the Commission does not feel justified in helping to increase the facilities, "AA'o view with apprehension the growth of betting, believing it has an unsettling effect on tho community, and we are convinced that tho introduction of the. machine is not a euro, but would add to the existing evils, Tho present facilities for betting are more than sufficient. Therefore wo recommend that they should not be increased."

The minority report, signed by tho chairman (Mr Levien) and three other members, says: "Betting is inseparable from horser&eiug. The only question, therefore, is as to the best way to regulate it." Their report support tho totalisator as the fairest form of betting for the public, as a means of increasing prizes, providing more efficient upkeep of courses, purifying tho sport, tending' to improve the breed of horses, limiting betting to the racecourse, preventing credit betting, discouraging the big bettor and the professional punter, enabling the owners to race without indulging in betting, and supplying o legitimate form of taxation from which a largo revenue can bo reaped by the State.