WHY SMITH LEFT “HOME”.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 4593, 20 May 1922, Page 2

WHY SMITH LEFT “HOME”.

A SPORTING MATTER.. Smith left “Home” because lie had heard so much about the attractions of the Dominion—the prospects of working under pleasant conditions with plenty of sport during his hours of ease. He found much that he expoctod, and also some things that ho did not look for. He saw Parliament pass a measure calculated to banish the bookmaker, while at the same time gambling is encouraged and legalised in another form. The State gladly takes as much as it can get from the totalisator, while taking up a highly moral attitude in respect to revenue which it might secure from the bookmaker. Smith knows—what everyone else knows—that the present policy drives gambling “underground.” And lie mows it would bo more sousiblo and logical to license reputable men as bookmakers, and allow them to carry on their trado alongside the totalisator—on the racecourse only. This would bo a check on the totalisator—the man who wishes to make small bets would be able to do so—and the license fees, etc., that accrue to the State, would form a welcome addition to the public coffers. The Dominion Sportsmen's Association is giving energetic attention to this matter. A petition to the Houso of Representatives is now freely in circulation, and may be signed almost everywhere. All real sportsmen, and broad-minded people generally, are invited to append their signatures. Remember, the enemies of personal freedom are always busy; it behoves you to take a little trouble in supporting the present movement. Cll.