GAMING LAWS

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 25 September 1933, Page 5

GAMING LAWS

PROPOSED LEGISLATION

CHANCE® FOR SUCCESS.

Fo.r the first time for many years there is a prospect this session of am amendment to the gaming laws passing the New* Zealand House of Representatives (states the Wellington “Evening Post”). The measure is the one sponsored by Mr E. F. Healy (Government, Wairau). It seeks to legalise the telegraphing of investments to the racecourse, the establishment of a double tota.lisator ou the course, and the newspaper publication of dividends.

In past .sessions- attempts to alter the law in t'he direction indicated have for various reasons failed. The late Sir George Hunter was in charge of a. similar Bill, and although on the final occasion. he was assured of a good deal of support, the move broke down through the inability of the Supporters of the measures to ‘ 1 keep a House.” This year, however, there lias been? intensive organisation behind the proposal, and already there has been, a counting of heads. From lobby inquiries it is gathered that the attainment of a majority in favour of the Bill is not be von d the bounds of possibility. Apparently the determining factor will be the attitude of Cabinet. If themeasure has the official' imprimatur bestowed on it, and the Prime Minister agrees to afford reasonable facilities, the promoters expect the legislation to •reach the Statute Booh. It is stated ■that some members w*ho at present are non-committal will define their position once Cabinet’s' wishes are disclosed. Mr Healy, it was learned to-day, will take an early opportunity of interview* - j i n g Mr Forbes and Mr Coates and placI irg before them what is described as I tlie strongest case vet. prepared for Government assistance in the proposed ,removal of the three main anomalies which advocates claim exist in the laws governing horse racing.