THE GAMBLING EVIL.

Evening Post, Volume LVI, Issue 77, 28 September 1898, Page 6

THE GAMBLING EVIL.

TO TJIE EDITOR. Sir — It was with great pleasure I read ! your remarks on the Bill now before tho ! Legislative Council. Tho Government do- ; serves all credit for introducing the Bill. : If passed, it will be an effectual means . of suppressing the practice of " tote-betting," ' now so prevalent among our youths, and I ' venture to say there will not be a " tote- ' bettor" in the colony within six months of '• the Bill becoming law. *The Legislative Councillors need have no fear that the Bill gives too much power to the police. No doubt the Bill has been drawn on suggestions from those best able to judge what is required. I understand it is framed from a similar Act now iv force in England, aud which works well. The police must be trusted with sufficient discretionary power — and they are not likely to interfere with law-abiding citizens. The " tote bettors " boast they cannot be suppressed, but since the advent of the Bill the local ones around Willis-street and elsewhere in this city have become very active, and they and their agents are to be seen canvassing against the Bill. Why is this ? Because they know it will effectually wipe them out of existence. I trust members of Parliament of all shades of political opinion will unite in passing this Bill as it stands, and that the Government will stick to the Bill, the whole Bill, and nothing but the Bill. I look forward with confidence to seeiug it placed on the Statute-book of New Zealand. The people of the colony will hail it as a blessing, and the Government and Parliament that were instrumental in passing the measure will ever be remembered with gratitude. I am, &c, A Willis-street Shopkeeper. 26th September, 1898.