THE NEW GAMING ACT.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 460, 19 March 1909, Page 7

THE NEW GAMING ACT.

4 ■ STATEMENT BY THR MINISTER FOB JUSTICE. (BY. TELEGIUrn—I'UESS ASSOCIATION.) Chrlstchurch, March IS. • In regard to allegations of tho "Now Zealand Times" that ,tlio now Gaming Act, aiming at tho licensing of bookmakers, hag had the effect of introducing a dangerous element into tho community with which tho polico were powerless to copo, Dr. Findlay, Minister for Justice, made some interesting observations to an "Evening News" reporter to-day. The Miuister stated that some timo ago ho asked tho Commissioner of Polico to furnish reports upon tho condition of matters which from timo to time prevailed on our racecourses, including what was taking placo owing to tho presence of licensed bookmakers.

"So far," tho speaker continued, "these reports have not disclosed any condition of -. things or improprieties on tho part of the | bookmakers which the police have any reason to complain of. 1 intend to continue ■ tho present system of polico observation • upon bookmakers and their doings, as well as upon tho consequences of their presence upon our racecourses, and should the occasion justify it, thero will be no hesitation on the part of the Government to take legal stops to prevent or suppress abuses. I have always oxprcssed to thoso who are interested in tho cleanliness of our racecourses that I should bo glad to rcceivo reliable information which will enablo mo to keep tho courses free from objectionable methods an<f objectionable characters."