Cromwell Argus. AND NORTHERN GOLDFIELDS GAZETTE. Cromwell, Monday, Aug. 1, 1910

Cromwell Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 2206, 1 August 1910, Page 4

Cromwell Argus. AND NORTHERN GOLDFIELDS GAZETTE. Cromwell, Monday, Aug. 1, 1910

The question of doing away with the bookmaker lias THE brought forth a large GAMBLING amount of controversy QUESTION, about the gambling question in general and in particular the position of the totalisator. There is no doubt the bookmakers should be wiped out root and stump as they are a curse to racing and all sport, for when they once take a hand in any of these, there is soon evident the ill effect of betting. We are strongly opposed to the bookmaker in every respect, but, what we should like to know is will the Government go far enough to thoroughly wipe them out, otherwise the position will be nearly as had as ever. What should be done is to make it a criminal offence both for the bookmaker and his client, and if this is strictly enforced the bookmaker will soon be a thing of the past, otherwise it will only be a farce. But as regards the totalisator there is certainly no need to idndish it, and we do not think it would be wise to do so, for if the section who are clamoring for the abolition of the machine and all racing think they can do so by passing an act to that effect, they are very much mistaken, but we believe by curtailing the number of race meetings and also the number of days racing allotted to some of the larger clubs the Government would be moving in the right direction. If this is done there is very little doubt the gambling question as regards the racing will be done away with to a large extent, but unless the bookmaker is wiped out, they will flourish as in the past by working in the streets and betting on every race meeting throughout the country. This betting is one of the worst and most ruinous to the foolish backer' than any other. The racing authorities would be wise to take the hint and move in the direction of reducing the amount of racing, especially so as xegards the large centres, but if they do so at the expense of the small country clubs that have their annual race meeting for two days in the year, then there will be a howl from the country districts, which would have a serious effect on the totalisator, but we do not think they would be so shortsighted as to have a division in their own ranks. With the totalisator it is well known by those who have taken any interest in the matter, that the investments made are not of laige sums, and it is practically made in view of the public so the moral effect of this is in itself a factor doing away with the worst features of gambling, besides which there is no money to pay for the bribing of jockeys, and the other undesi'-able features caused by the bookmaker, to be seemed from the totalisator.

Applications are invited for the position of secretary to the Cromwell Hospital. Anyone in search of a good paying business should make enquiries re the well-known Luggate Hotel and Store which is advertised for sale. For those in need of a hair restorer and tonic see the advertisment in this issue in connection with Wioletta, for which Mr George Stumbles has been appointed local agent. The Cairnmnir Coal Company notify that owing to the increased demand they have made arrangements with Mr J. Trevathan for delivering coal in Cromwell. With the exception of about two weeks the present winter has been a very good one for stock, probably the best fur many years, as there has been plenty of feed and little or no wet weather. The fall of snow has been much lighter than it appeared as it was only a few inches on the high country. The Alhenamm Committee decided last week to purchase a second-hand Grand piano, as it was offered at a bargain. They have it guaranteed as being in first-class order, and were allowed a considerable portion of the amount for their present piuuo.

A social and dance in aid of the school funds will be held in Tarras Woolshed on 19th August.

A three-year-old son of Mr and Mrs Jas. H. Crawford, of Hyde's Creek (N.S.W.), met his deatli in a peculiar way. A large brown tick, without being noticed, embedded itself in the crown of his head, at about the centre. The boy became very ill after the tick was extracted, and Dr Myles was sent for ; but as he was away from home his services could not be obtained till the following day. There was no swelling on the scalp, from which fact it was thought the poison went straight through the membraneous part into the brain. The chief topic of conversation in the lobbies (says the Duncclin "Star's" Parliamentary reporter) is the position re the Chairman of Committees. Though Mr Davey was chosen at the Liberal Caucus as the Government candidate, it is an open secret that the minority will slick to Sir W. J. Steward, and Mr Eraser's nomination hiving transferred the support that Mr Davey would have hid among the Opposition to their own candidate, the chance of the member for Christchurch North isregardel as slight. Whether Mr Davey withdraws or stands the position will still be peculiar, because many ot Mr D.ivey's supporters among the Liberals declare they will nit vote for Sir William Steward under any circumstances. With the help of these the Opposition might easily secure Mr Frascr's selection. Several of the Liberal members admit that he would mike an admirable chairman, as he his had long experience, is personally liked and respected, and is the most fair-minded man on the OpposHion benches. However, as the election will not take place until the Financial Debate is over, there ts plenty of time for fresh developments.

A settler of the Mackenzie Country writes to the Wellington Tost' in glowing praise of tlie value of the Meteorological Office's forecasts to that district. " I have lived in the Mackenzie Country for considerably over a third of a century," he says. " I have been shepherd", musterer, station manager, and for the last sixteen years lessee of a small run. Having always been keenly interested in weather forecasts for more than twenty-live years, I have thought what a great boon it would be in this class of country in the winter months if we had any reliable forecasts given, say, for two days ahead. Weather reports used to filter through to here iu the Press, but they were disappointing. They were of too general and neutral a character to be of much value, but since Bates took charge I have noticed a great change, and I have carefully watched long enough until I am satisfied we have got the man as meteorologist [ have been vaiily looking for for twenty-five years. Being a member of the Mackenzie Cmiity Council, I brought the matter before members, and they endorsed my views that wo should write to the Government asking to have weather forecasts sent here direct as often as possible. This was done, and I am pleased to state no time was lost in agreeing to our requests; since which these forecasts have come regularly, and their general accuracy is something marvellous."