FULL INQUIRY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21979, 25 March 1946, Page 4

FULL INQUIRY

N.Z. GAMING LAWS

CONCERN SHOWN

ROYAL COMMISSION

JUDGE TO BE CHAIRMAN (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Mar. 23.

Tim soil in” - up of a Royal Commission to investigate the naming - laws of Now Zealand and the personnel of the commission were announced to-day by the 'Minister of Internal Affairs, Air. W. E. Parry.

The commission will comprise Mr. Justice Finlay (chairman), Mr. W. 11. Freeman, stipendiary magistrate, and Mr. .T. W. Ilecnan, Under-Secretary of the Department of Internal Affairs.

"Hone of Contention

“The question of gaming has been a bone of contention for many years m this country,” said Mr. Parry, and serious and far-reaching comments had emanated from courts of justice. The Government fell some time ago that the time was ripe for a commission of this nature, but it lias not been possible until now to obtain the services of a Supreme Court judge in view of the fact that the bench had of recent months been under strength through two of its members being otherwise engaged in matters of national and international importance.

“The order of reference approved by the Government has been made as wide as possible, so that all concerned with any aspect of New Zealand’s gaming laws will be afforded an opportunity to present evidence. Sittings At Early Date

“It is hoped that the Commission will be in a position to begin its sittings at a reasonably early date. An announcement concerning that date will be made as early as possible. It is hoped also that in the meantime those who. desire to give evidence will prepare it so as to be ready when sittings began. “In view of the very contentious matters to be considered, the Government feels very strongly that the commission should be a body of men entirely independent of sectional - interests,” said Mr. Parry, ‘and men, moreover, who by their standing, training and experience are qualified to arrive at conclusions that would confirns the basis of legislation that would be a satisfactory solution of this most difficult problem.”