GAMING LAWS
(To the Editor.)
'Sir,—ln Friday's "Evening Post" is reported the comment of a Wellington Magistrate regarding the open flouting of gaming laws which brings vividly before the public the need for statutory regulation and control. "The open flouting of gaming laws has as much to do with the growth of adolescence crime as anything else," stated the Magistrate.
Few will agree that no passion can lead to such extremities nor involve a man in such a complicated, train of crime and vices, and ruin whole families so completely as the present baneful rage for gambling. It frequently leads to fraud and forgery and is the most fertile nursery of foolish reliance on blind fortune.
Admittedly it is quite impossible to stop the man in, the street having what is known as a "flutter." Why should he be stopped? What is Wanted is efficient control of all forms of gambling and to institute a State lottery to alleviate the burden of taxation that is making lite so difficult for all. The Kojjal Commission appointed In England in 1932 recognised that gambling was a "fact and was increasing at a rate which might have serious social consequences. These serious social consequences are widespread in New Zealand today because our gaming laws are being openly flouted with resultant loss of revenue to the State. The Royal Commission in England stated, "We. think that the general aim of the State in dealing with facilities for gambling should be to prohibit or place- restriction upon such facilities only as can be shown to have serious social consequences if not checked." The time is'long since overdue for the Government in this Dominion to review the whole question and set up machinery which will bring about more strict regulation and efficient control. Some persons will contend that regulation and adequate control are impossible. My answer to them is "Don't be silly." Social and ethical standards must be safeguarded by human reason and intelligence properly organised and applied. The whole question under review will have to be faced in a fearless manner and the sooner ,the better for all concerned and the good name of New Zealand. It is a matter of national concern to all who have at heart the welfare of our young people.-! am, etc.,
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Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 131, 6 June 1938, Page 8
Word Count
382GAMING LAWS Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 131, 6 June 1938, Page 8
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