INCIDENCE OF GAMBLING

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25328, 30 October 1947, Page 6

INCIDENCE OF GAMBLING

ALARMING INCREASE IN N.Z ”

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH’S CONCERN On the motion of the Rev. P. Gladstone Hughes, the Presbyterian General Assembly, at its session in Christchurch last evening, called attention to “the alarming increase of gambling in New Zealand, and called on the Church to open a definite campaign against the growing menace of this evil.” TKe report of the public questions committee stated that evidence given before the Royal Commission on Gaming had shown that a strenuous effort was being rnadfe to establish some form of legal off-course betting. The efforts of the associated churches before the commission had been directed tq exposing the dangers involved in the extension of gambling facilities, and to urging the reduction of existing facilities, together with the more effective administration of the present legislation. “Certain disturbing facts were brought before our committee which prove that flambling in New Zealand, in addition to off-course betting, is very widespread,” the report continued. “The country is so much in its grip that there is no definite and healthy public conscience on it, even in church circles. “Insidious and Growing Evil’” “This is a question to which the thinking of the whole Church should be directed. A determined effort should be made to rousefthe public conscience and so to safeguard the rising generation against this insidious and growing evil. The "Church must be constantly educating public opinion on the evils of gambling and, whatever the recommendations of the Gaming Commission may be, that duty will continue to lie upon the Church.” Speaking to the report. Dr. J. D. Salmond said gambling had assumed enormous proportions in New Zea* land. It was difficult to say which was the greater menace to youth, liquor or gambling, but some people would say gambling was public enemy number one. it was obvious that gambling was undermining the sense of vocation among’ the people. In factories, shops, offices, and elsewhere, there was a great waste of time through gambling. The Department of Internal Affairs was trying to develop the Well-being of the youth of New Zealand Dr. Salmond continued, but the department also granted permits for raffles and art unions throughout the land. Gambling was being fostered by these “little evils’’; posters advertising art unions stood at the door of every tobacconist’s shop; and publicity was given to successes in art unions and raffles. Altogether, an atmosphere was created which was conducive to gambling. The national leaders should put a check on gambling publicity which fostered something that had become a national evil