SPORTING

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1935, Page 5

SPORTING

RETURN OF BOOKMAKERS (Ref Preßs Association.—Copyright.) WELLINGTON, July 12. The question of the remtrouuction of bookmakers was threshed out at the Racing Louleionce to-day and after lull discussion, the delegates decided against taking any action either with a view to their legalisation or to the investigation of the situation. The subject was -introduced; by a remit from Auckland Racing Chun, “that the Conference Lake into consideration the question as to whether or not the licensing of bookmakers under conditions approved gy the Conference, should be permitted by law-” the remit, by permission of the Conference, was amended to provide : “That the Conor eive approve ol •the 'icemung 111 bookmakers, the details of regulations under which they should operate to be left to the Conference.” Several delegates argued that it was preferable to bring underground betting to the surface and control it, and to receive the benefit ol its taxation. The Hon E. R. Davis, of Auckland, presented a petition signed by 553 New Zealand owners and trainers asking for the return of the bookmakers under proper safeguards and control as the Conference might determine. Other delegates argued that the time was not opportune for a Rookmaking Bill.