LOTTERIES FOR N.Z.

Grey River Argus, 27 April 1939, Page 6

LOTTERIES FOR N.Z.

GREYMOUTH MEETING IN FAVOUR. At a meeting held last night in Greymouth, it was unanimously resolved that lotteries similar to Tattersail’s should be established in New Zealand. Mr J. Scollay, convenor of the meeting, explained that Now Then Ltd., was meeting organised opposition from certain religious organisations on its project to institute a national lottery in the Dominion. In view of this, it was desirable to form committees to assist Now Then Ltd., to obtain a referendum of all electors. The following committee was set up for Greymouth:—Messrs D. Faris, K. Howarth. Dyke, E. A. Smith, E. J. Brown, W. J. Weston, and Mrs Dyke. The meeting was well attended and some interesting discussions took place. A former resident of Australia described the activities of the foui’ Australian lotteries. It was also mentioned that in the year 1936-37 the profits of the Queensland “Golden Casket” were £335,635. In answer to a question, Mr Scollay said that Hon. W. E. Parry had stated in "The Standard”-that £1,000,000 a year left New Zealand for overseas lotteries.

A, statement by Hon. W. Nash, containing a warning against Now Then Ltd., reported in “The Standard,” was discussed, and the following resolution was passed unanimously:—“That, as Now Then Ltd. intend to obtain the signatures of a majority of electors of New Zealand to the petition, asking for lotteries in New Zealand, and as New Zealand is a democratic country where the wishes of a majority of the electors should be attended to, Hon. W. Nash should have refrained from commenting on Now Then Ltd. when referring to lotteries.'' The committee intend to arrange meetings and debates in Greymouth in which the public will be invited to take part.