OTAGO ART UNION.

Evening Star, Issue 15910, 16 September 1915, Page 5

OTAGO ART UNION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir.—l was very much surprised to see in the result of the art union drawn oir Saturday that five prizes had gone to the Country Queen and Balclutha Executives, and was astounded to find the reason. I have, been told that over £1,500 received in donations by these committees had been expended in the purchase of 2s 6d tickets. Now, that is all very well from the fund’s point of view, but what about the public who have responded so well? If the local queen committees had done the same several thousand pounds could have been put in, and the public would have had no show at .all. I know several parties of working people who have saved every week and bought these tickets, with the prospect of a fair deal, and, to say the least, it was not the correct thing on the part of the executives concerned. It meant that Balclutha had at least 12 ; 000 tickets, or one chance in 11 of winning, whereas the worker who put in his half-crown had one chance in 133,000. No one could object if big amounts were subscribed, and taken in tickets, but I think the Balclutha Executive should explain their action, and if it has been outside donations they have put in they should hand back the prizes to be drawn again.—I am, etc., Oxe of the Public. September 15.