GAMING LAWS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 252, 21 September 1933, Page 6

GAMING LAWS

STRONG CLAIM FOR AMENDMENT. TO BE STRESSED IN THE HOUSE. (By Teelgraph.—Special to Standard.) AVELLINGTON, Sept. 21. For the first time for many .years there is a prospect this session of an amendment to tne gaming laws passing the House of Representatives. Ihe measure is one sponsored by Mr A it. -j- 1 • Healy (Coalition, AVairau) which seeks to legalise the telegraphing of investments to the racecourse, establishment of the double totalisator on the course, and the newspaper publication of dividends. , In past sessions attempts to alter the law in the direction indicated have for various reasons failed. The late Sir George Hunter was in charge of a similar Bill, although on the final occasion when'he was assured of a good deal of support the move broke down through the inability of the supporters of the measure to keep a House. This year, however, there has been intensive organisation behind the proposal. Already there has been a counting of heads and from lobby inquiries it is gathered that the attainment of a majority in favour of the Bill is not beyond the bounds of practicability. Apparently the determining factor will be the attitude of Cabinet. If the measure has the official imprimatur bestowed on it and the Prime Minister agrees to afford reasonable facilities, the promoters expect the legislation to reach the Statute Book. It is stated that some four members who at present are non-committal will define their position once Cabinet’s wishes are disclosed. Mr Healy, it was learned today, will take an early opportunity of interviewiml Messrs Forbes and Coates arid placing before them what is described as the strongest case yet prepared for Government assistance in the proposed removal of the three main anomalies which the advocates claim exist in the laws governing horse racing.