Lotto scheme abandoned

Press, 31 January 1984, Page 9

Lotto scheme abandoned

PA Wellington The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Highet, has abandoned his attempts to have the numbers game, lotto, introduced to New Zealand. Mr Highet said yesterday he had decided at the end of last year that because the caucus was equally divided, and “because of my responsibilities as Minister in charge of racing, I would not endeavour to bring Motto

in this year.” He said that the Prime Minister, Sir Robert Muldoon, had not spoken to him on the subject, “I took the initiative at last Monday’s Cabinet and advised Cabinet of this.”

Sir Robert Muldoon told the Asian Racing Conference in Auckland on Sunday that “I’ve had a chat with Mr Highet and while my Government continues we will not have lotto to cream

off funds from the racing industry in New Zealand.” Earlier this month Mr Highet was reported as saying he hoped to put forward a proposal on lotto before his retirement in November. He said then he thought it “ridiculous” that New Zealand did not have lotto. “I am convinced by observations overseas and inquiries by my department that, racing will not be greatly affected by lotto but

for the initial stages.” Mr Highet said yesterday he thought there was about 50-50 support in caucus for lotto. “I also feel that they find the situation that I am in, as I have promised to assist the racing industry, a factor. “I am certain that even those in favour of lotto would agree that this is not the right time to introduce it.” £