GAMING LAWS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIX, Issue 62, 28 February 1929, Page 5

GAMING LAWS

OVERHAUL NEXT SESSION? BILL PRACTICALLY CERTAIN. There is every prospect that Parliament during next session will devote a good deal of attention to a review of the existing gaming laws (states the "Dominion.”) The opportunity for this overhaul will be provided if, as is believed will be the case. Sir George Hunter (Waipawa), reintroduces his Gaming Amendment Bill, which was before, hut did not proceed far in, the last Parliament. The main provisions or that Bill were for the publication of dividends, for the telegraphing of investments to the course, and for the recognition of the double machine. It is stated by reliable observers that the new House will be more favourably inclined to the passage of such a measure than was the last, and that if the legislation comes forward there will be a majority for at least the publication of dividends and telegraphic clauses.

Everywhere during his visit Dorth, the Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon P. A. de la Perrellc), who returned to Wellington yesterday, was urged oy deputations representing sports interests to officially support the two clauses referred to. It was impressed on the Minister that if such legislation were passed by Parliament it would not have the effect of increasing gambling, but of stablising and directing the investments through the proper channel—the totalisator —and, in addition, of placing an effective check on the operations of the bookmakers. A further point made by tho deputations was that telegraphic betting would provide a source of revenue to the State and assist the smaller clubs to carry on.