GAMING AMENDMENT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 30 June 1927, Page 5

GAMING AMENDMENT.

A MODEST BILL. FACILITATING “TOTE” INVESTMENTS. BY TELEGHAPH—SPECIAL TO THE STAB. WELLINGTON, June 29. The Gaming Act Amendment Bill, introduced by Sir George Hunter, is not- the- contentious measure of last session, but consists of three short clauses, all seeking to re-enact mattens which formerly were legal. One clause proposes to repeal section 28 of the principal Act. which would have the eiTect of allowing “tote” investments to be telegraphed to the secretary of a racing club under the control of which the race meeting is being held; it is proposed to remove the restriction on the publication of dividends, and also to authorise, as was formerly the case, the use of the “double tote.”

Questioned by your correspondent regarding the prospects of his modified Bill, feir George Hunter stated with confidence that there was a large majority of the House pledged to support all its clauses. He had purposely refrained from including any of the contentious matter which formerly prevented its passage; for instance, though strongly urged to do so, he had refrained in the interests of the Bill from including a clause limiting the number of races on any day, or increasing the amount of refund made by the Government out of the “tote” dividends for the purposes of course improvements. During the recess a deputation had asked the Prime Minister to introduce legislation amending the Gaming Act, and the Prime Minister had' undertaken to give facilities for its consideration by Parliament if a- measure were introduced by a private member. “The Pacing Conference and Sports Protection League,” added Sir George, “have asked me to take charge of the Bill, and with this assurance I took the first opportunity to place it on the order paper.”