OFF-COURSE BETTING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22887, 5 March 1949, Page 6

OFF-COURSE BETTING

Sir, —May I express my agreement with Mr. T. G. Johns insofar as “it seems fitting and vitally necessary that we seriously consider the matter of offcourse betting and record our vote for or against the issue.” Like Mr. Johns, I am very concerned wherever youths are likely to be affected. Would our young people have any greater incentive to indulge in race betting than at present, where there are hunting grounds for illegal betting touts? Probably Mr. Johns sees the same danger as I do if the proposal is carried, with legalised betting confined to those over 21 years of age. It would appear that our youths would be more vulnerable than ever to the wiles of the louts, unless some steps more drastic than at present are used to clean up illegal betting. The gambling spirit is inherent in us all. sand no amount of legislation will wipe it out. We are always faced with our art unions, etc., right down to the simple church bazaar, bran tub, and innocent ra files, no matter what good motive is involved.

The proposal to install legal betting stations away from the course may be a step in the right direction providing any subsequent legislation makes it a more serious offence to be caught in illegal betting and there is a sufficient drastic penalty to act as a more efficient deterrent against such practices. SAM J. PEARSON 7 Mary street.