THE NECESSARY BOOKMAKER

Evening Star, Issue 17957, 2 May 1922, Page 2

THE NECESSARY BOOKMAKER

GAMING ACT A FAILURE. In a court of British justice both sides of the case are heard before an accused person is convicted. Yet paradoxically, in the administration of somo of our sports, we take the old standard which belongs to pre-Magna Chart* days. The Bookmaker was abolished from the New Zealand Racecourses arbitrarily, without having a chance to defend himself. Now, with the passage of years, people are beginning to see that ho was actually ono of sie influences which helped to guard the privileges of the Racing Clubs and the sporting community, by reason of ins jealous regard for the reputation of the game. As a nile lie was a jovial, well-respected person. He looked upon Iris avocation ae a worthy one, and his conduct was accordingly ethical. When the Gaming Act came into operation the best men, to save their reputation, withdrew. The public now know all about the system of pernicious secret betting which resulted. Naturally t'no sportsmen’s petition to Parliament asking for a commission to enquire into the advisability of again legalising the bookmaker, has received big support. If the “Bookie” comes bade he will give the public an opportunity of betting with the choice ol bookmaker or totalisator. Again, Sports of moderate means will find that they will not have to back their “fancy” beyond what they can afford. Sign the petition to-day. It is in your own interest. The petition lhas been freely circulated, and may bo signed almost anywhere. When the petitions are filled up they should be promptly returned to Box 1,011, Wellington. —£Advt.j