THE GAMING BILL.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 52, 25 November 1907, Page 5

THE GAMING BILL.

WHAT THE BOOKMAKER THINKS OF IT. Tho latest sensation in tho sporting world is' that the Gaming and Lotteries Bill, which most people imagined would be among the session end list of ''slaughtered innocents," has passed both Houses of Legislature. . A bookmaker, who was interviewed on the matter, seemed ns bright as ever. There was none of tho despondency born of n lost avoca-tion-apparent, and he.had, so far, not paid a visit to the Labour Department. "Well, how are tho boys taking the passing of tho Gaming Bill?" asked the reporter. . "All right; it's the best thing in the world." ' "Why, what do .you mean?" said tho reporter; ... v "What's the matter with it? We are to be allowed on the course once more," said he, jubilantly. We get our license from each of .the. racing clubs, ami goon a tour, following the meetings round the country, having a good time, and doing our work like gentlemen." . "But what about the town betting?" "That will be stopped to a 'certain extent, as we will not be.able to keep offices. It- was not allowed before/but now tliey can quarantine them, as they did in Sydney. But we won't have to pay rent, and the office won't really bo needed, as wo will bo on tour. We'll see horses run, in peace and comfort, work under a full license,^ and sleep like babies at night." "Do all the boys think as you think?" "Rather—all the decent ones. The clubs havo to license all thoso who arc fit and proper persons.' That might moan knocking out a few of the 'crook' ones, but for tho rest—it's all right." (bt telegraph—press association.) Auckland, November 24. • Interviewed regarding the Gaming and Lottenos Act, a well-known racing man expressed indignation at Clause 35,' providing for the licensing of bookmakers by clubs .having been allowed to pass in its mandatory form. "The bookmakers," ho said, "will only bo admitted at the point of the bayonet, so strongly do the racing cluMj feel against them." ' ' The jocal bookmakers arc, of course, jubilant. "Clause 35," one said, "gives us a better footing than ever we had before, and the only question that concerns us now is what- fees . the racing clubs will ' charge— whether they will. impose the maximum of £20 per day, or less. r 'lf they demanded the maximum of £20 for a license for ono day, it practically meant that the "small fry" would ho wiped out, and that the business would be-left in the hands of a few persons. He did not think, however, that tho maximum fees would be. charged, but that the clubs would probably fix a fee of say £10 for inside and £5 for outside bookmakers. "A GREAT MOMENT IN OUR HISTORY."

The Uev. J. J. North dealt with the now Anti-Gambling Bill _in his sermon at the Vivian Street Baptist Church last evening. Speaking on-the. subject of stumbling blocks, ho referred to tho strong attitude of Christ in respect of those who made it hard for their brothers to do right. Following His example, wo should not only bolieve that judgment. would bo visited on such people in tho fiituro, but should see that judgment was declared now. Tho new Anti-Gambling Bill was. a, great stop in this direction. It was tho result of a long advocacy, very steady improvements had been made to it sinco its first introduction, and in his jndgment it marked a greater moment :iri our history.Uhan'any other Act since that which gave local option. Its efficiency depended entirely on tho citizens. If tho police did their duty, every, bookmaker's shop in Parish Streot, Lambton Quay, and Willis Street v.ould be shut, but tho vigilance of tho citizens would be eternally necessary, and ho trusted that tliat : vigilance would be exorcised.