ART UNIONS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 28 June 1926, Page 7

ART UNIONS

HOW MANY MORE ? . DEFINITE LIMIT FIXED NO MINERAL PRIZES AFTER' MARCH. NEXT. V (By Telegraph.—-Special to The Star.) WELLINGTON, June 26. It may seem puzzling to many people that,' while Ministers are declaring that the end of the big lottery is coming in New Zealand; “the'opportunities in this direction have not yet diminished. When will the end-come? This is now definitely ascertained.' The end arrives on March 31 next, whether the existing promises for permits are exhausted or not. '

The Government committed itself to - a series of permits before it decided J to take drastic action for regulation. & These promises have to be honoured, and there are four more left. As the time is limited, there seems to be ail understanding between those who are entitled to permits that each will secure a clear field for a definite period, so as to give .them an opportunity he•fore the end of March. Another feature which has required careful liandling is that the mineral specimen which is ostensibly the prize has to servo one lottery after another, as a specimen of alluvial gold of the large amount needed for a lottery prize is not readily obtainable in the Dominion. But * there is one such lump actually in existence, thus satisfying the terms of the law. W hen it is won in a lottery its cash, equivalent is naid to the winner; and' the specimen is-put up for .a further trial of luck. -- - , . . What would happen it. a winner decided that this unique specimen was worth keeping is an interesting subject for speculation. He might be in the . happy position of “cornering the market.” ~ However, after the Government’s legislation is passed, mineral specimens’ will not be recognised as “works of art.” Another important limitation will be that a prize cannot exceed in value the sum. of