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Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1925, Page 2

Tin; fact that the Dominion is being bombarded by art union promoters on a large scale, suggests that the public are predisposed to patronise such ventures very extensively. These art unions which represeni ileiisands of nnunds in prizes in gold, are heina m verv extravagant lines. Promoters are well paid, and judging by some >-1 Ihe hal'im c sheet s Ihe end ol running i lie ventures is eiionnoiis. 'I liniisaud--of pound' are .-link in the pro e ■. It is not clear that the public are reoicing a fair inn. for in many instances bonks of ticket' are broadcasted, and there is not any gr.-ita that ail returns urn accounted for. Mar.,- bool - arc being received now front different part* of No" /.i nlan and with this overlapping it. will not he surprising it a looseness creeps in ;ml | < (-illation results. Seeing that the art unions are so successful, pointing to a definite demand for this kind of investment, it would he best all round it the ventures were run under stricter Government control, so .as to ensure no doubt as to the fairness of the consultations, particularly in regard to till ti'ket money being accounted for by those entrusted with the sale of tickets. Indeed were a State lottery in vogue, the (iovernmenl could reap the profit first hand, and the proceeds could he devoted to charitable objects. The term “art union" is a misnomer in regard to the present system in practice. As now conducted on a large scale it i.s practically it cash consultation, the luck of the drawing deciding the winning numbers. This is outside the sense and meaning of the law. which provides for the disposal of works of art. The law is mot. or the situation winked at, by regarding gold as specimens of art. lint as the present, arrangement has so popularised the process of raising money under a colorable right, it would he a fitting thing for the State to take up Dominion consultations for the benefit of the public treasury. It is open knowledge that hundreds of pounds go out of New Zealand every week for lotteries in Australia, and even further afield. Vast sums of money have gone out of Xhv Zealand by that process, and the Dominion is the poorer accordingly. This leakage would be stopped, find the position reversed were local consultations established. The monev would stay in the country, and other monev would be attracted here, and the Government would rejr a continuous profit bv the handling of the peoples' money for the time being. The lottery habit has got hold of the people, and il would he best dealt with under Government regulations by which the state and the investor would he secure.

Members of the Bowling, Cluh are reminded of the general meeting in the pavilion to-night at 7 o'clock sharp. Mr T. |{. Chostermau and Mr \V. ill nor. County officials, returned from Christchurch yesterday where they have been investigating various road111,thing machinery. A report on tile matter will Ik* prepared for the next meeting of the County Council. The late flood in the South was unusually high, and it is said Lake Mapourika rose about ten feet. Although considerable damage was done to the roads, particularly at the fords, traffic has now resumed and the motor service's are running reguialy. Wheie thWataroa river cut inti the main south road. a. temporary deviation tor a tew chains has been pm in. pending the undertalcing of the large work proposed. The centre of attraction on Saturday afternoon will ho Cass Square, where a gala afternoon, organised for the Beautifving Society will be in progress. It is understood the authorities are arranging for tine weather, hut should the fates prove unkind, the event will be held in the Soldiers' Hall. The lathy parade is therefore certain to eventuate, hail, rain or shine: hut its going to be “shine." Mill Owners: A trial will satisfy you as to the merits of our Retting. Greases, Jointings, Boiler Compound, Files, Saws, Paint, etc. R. P. M. Manning and Co., 5 Bedford Row, Christchurch.—Advt.