STATE AND GAMBLING

Evening Post, Issue 86, 11 April 1936, Page 13

STATE AND GAMBLING

MINISTER'S ASSURANCE

ART UNION QUESTION

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, April 10. > An assurance that whatever steps were taken by the Government in connection with gambling in New Zealand, common sense would be applied to them and that a very careful survey would be made was given by. the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry) to a deputation representing the Auckland Council of Christian Congregations. The deputation expressed concern at the growth of the gambling spirit in New Zealand, and the increase in facilities provided in the last few years, with particular reference to art unions.

. Five clergymen representing different denominations comprised the deputation. The speakers appealed to the Government to see that facilities for the expression of the growing gambling spirit were held in check. The Minister corrected a misunderstanding which he said had arisen as the result of a recent address at Rotorua and one which had resulted in many protests. He said the aim was for a 40-hour week, five days' work and two "days' play, but he did not imply more than the provision of leisure and the means to enjoy it. After dealing with the history of the art unions, the Minister said he was pleased when he had one or two thousand pounds to give to the povertystricken people of the country. Art union receipts in New Zealand had dropped as, the result of large sums going overseas, Mr Parry continuec. At first they had reached £18 000, but now they were down to about £6000. There was no doubt that a fairly large section of the community enjoyed taking a ticket. The law was there and it would be administered in the best possible way. He had decided that what money he got would go to help distressed people. fl The Minister stated that the profits of the recent "Leap Year" art union amounted to £5000, and the whole would be devoted in accordance with the policy of the Government to the relief of distress.