LEGAL OFF-COURSE BETTING

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25732, 18 February 1949, Page 5

LEGAL OFF-COURSE BETTING

Sir,—The opponents of legalised offcGurse betting should pot be dismayed. The proposal for a poll on racecourse betting shops is the first occasion for the people to be given a vote. In fne interest of the rising generation the opposition should come from school committees. churchwardens, and vestries, and the clergy. To make facilities to extend gambling with the full knowledge that something is wrong with food production is very serious and shows a complete lack of responsibility on the part of the controllers of racing. No time should be lost in organising districts for transport to make sure everyone eligible is given the opportunity to vote.—Yours, etc., H. BLISS. February 17. 1949.

Sir, —Most of your correspondents seem to look upon the gaming poll as a chance to improve other people’s morals with the minimum of effort or sacrifice on their own part. The Gaming Commission took evidence from many such persons and still placed before the Government the very sound scheme for legalised off-course betting. One has only to work with shearing or harvest gangs to realise the interest and, relaxation that are derived from racing. These men are unable to attend races for months, while those in town can get to a meeting nearly every week. The scheme will allow them some of the privileges of their more fortunate mates, without the present hazards. Before condemning many in the country to the boredom or the bookmaker it is well to look at all aspects of this problem and not impose a hardship on others that might not affect the reformer.—Yours, etc., BUMPKIN. Hawarden, February 17, 1949.