“GOLDEN CASKET” LOTTERIES

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25994, 23 December 1949, Page 7

“GOLDEN CASKET” LOTTERIES

ROYAL COMMISSION’S INQUIRY TERMS OF REFERENCE ANNOUNCED BRISBANE, December 22. The Royal Commission into the conduct of the “Golden Casket” lotteries is specifically directed to investigate the first prize of £25,000 won in 1936 by Mr P. J. Hanlon, a brother of the Premier of Queensland (Mr E. M. Hanlon). The commission will also inquire into the drawing of lotteries 1367 and 1241. The first prize in lottery 1367 of July 8,, 1949, was paid to Mr L. E. Gray, a principal of Golden Investments. The first prize in lottery 1241, of June 6, 1948, was won by Mr D. C. Gray. Other points in the inquiry will be:— (1) Whether the present practice in the sale and purchase of unsold returned tickets is satisfactory. (2) Whether the legal relationship between the “Golden Casket” art union and its agents, including Golden Investments, is open to doubt. The commission is expected to begin sitting in Brisbane about January 16. The commission will comprise Mr Justice Mansfipld, Mr E. A. Grosser, Auditor-General,.and Mr R. D. Hqish, State president of the Returned Servicemen’s League. The setting up of the commission was recommended by Mr E. M. Hanlon at his first Cabinet meeting after returning from London. In his absence the Casket debate in the Queensland Parliament produced rowdy scenes, culminating in the suspension of three members and a fight between a Minister and a private member.