THE GAMBLING EVIL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7393, 20 February 1902, Page 2

THE GAMBLING EVIL.

* IMPORTANT MEETING AT CHRISTCHURCH. (PBB PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Christchurch, February 19. At a meeting to form an AntiGambling League to-night Bishop Julius, who presided, referred to the great increase in gambling, and especially to the popularity of the game of " bridge." Gambling was one of the greatest moral ovils. The League, if formed, would have to educate public opinion until it oould see that gambling must be put down. Mr G. Laurenson, M.H.R., quoted statistics to show the prevalence of gambling, and moved, " That this meeting deplores the increasing prevalence of gambling, and recognises that determined efforts should be made to check the further spread of the evil." He said that during 1891 £506,000 had passed through the totalisator in the colony, while during 1900 £1,165,000 was passed through. The increase of population during tbat period was only 16,000. The number of jockeys and . trainers had also inoreased quite as fast as had the gambling spirit. The Rev. 0. E. Ward seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr W. Tanner, M.H.R., supported the movement, and proposed the establishment of an Acti;Gambling League, which was seconded by the Rev. J. W. Burton and carried. Mr H. G. Ell, M.H.R., supported the inovonient, and said that while the Statute Book bristled with antigambling measures, the Government drew a considerable sum from the "tote," and as a salve to their oonsoionooB thoy niado raids on the Chinese who played fan-tan, and on the promisos of bookmakers whose books were confiscated, though their trade was not doing noorly so much harm as the "tote." Tho Commonwealth Farlia> mont had Bet an example whicth ho hoped Now Zoalond would follow.

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