THE GAME OF RUINATION

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 179, 14 July 1927, Page 9

THE GAME OF RUINATION

(To the Editor). Sir,—Please tell Mr Nat. Beamish to give up public controversy. He really takes both himself and it, far too seriously. To the taps of banter which greeted his c a ll to long and fervent prayer for the increase of gambling facilities, he has shown himself a sore wounded man. brooding for many days over what he calls slanders. And now he has promised to give yours truly the once over Might I suggest, to bring him gltfater quiet of mind, that every poiidei ous thunderbolt which he may wish to throw at in v head will only the more exhibit his wounded vanity. If, liko Mark Twain, I plead guilty in advance to every crime on the calendar, a hold, bad( reckless villian; and then declare that the King’s liege, Nathaniel Beamish, should be both a bishop and a judge, and any other honour that he should desire, may we then proceed with the argument? It is, whether or no Hunters’ Bill will increase a hurt to the economic and social life of this fair land. It is amusing’ to notice that while Brother Beamish thinks so highly of the profession of bookmakers, other supporters of the Gaining Bill have only ope argument, that, the work of the layers of odds is creating a festering sore which only more facilities to gamble will cure. 11 gambling per media of the hookies is a festering sore, what transforms gambling when it is done i>er media of the Racing Clubs and Government ? The relusal of Sir Joseph Ward, when Post-master-General, to extern! tote gambling was based upon the thefts experienced in his department as a direct result. Is that harvest of their ruin past history ? Our professors of

polictical economy have given their testimony to the harmful effects of putting individual and national wealth to a game of hazard. Judges and magistrates have been outspoken. “The Tribune” had a series of articles showing the increase of racing facilities was against the best development of our progress. Even “Truth” has shown anxiety over the number of embezzlements. As for “The Sydney it dearly says the abject poverty in the homes of many well paid workers, is , due, not so much to drink as to gambling. It says “the time has come to reduce the number of race meetings, for the passion to win ‘easy’ money by spotting winners is such a losing game, that it is robbing children of more than comfort.’’ Of course, if it is not improving the breed of men, look what it is doing to improve the breed of horses.” Yes, we remember, the race on our local course when every moke fell down before it finish ed.—Yours still. , FRANK TRUE Hastings, 13/7/27.