THE GAMING BILL.

Northern Advocate, 12 September 1924, Page 4

THE GAMING BILL.

The re-introduction of the Gaming Bill in the House of Representatives is a matter of interest to a great many people throughout the Dominion, though it is by no means certain that the measure will not be among the slaughtered innocents of the session. Members of Parliament always seem ready to take any means of blocking legislation relating to the use of the totalisator, the reason being, no doubt, that the claims of many districts for additional racing facilities are evenly balanced and there 'is also a loudly expressed body of opinion that opposes any increase. The Bill now submitted to the House makes provision for the issue of twelve additional one-day totalisator permits , for racing clubs and nineteen additional permits for trotting clubs. So far as the latter branch of the sport is concerned the contemplated provision is fairly generous, but twelve permits will not nearly satisfy the demands of the districts that can claim more racing on a variety of good grounds. Taking North Auckland alone as one of the districts that should be far better catered for than it is, we can say without fear of contradiction that an equitable distribution of permits throughout the Dominion would give the Whangarei Racing Cub four days instead of two and the Waipapakauri Racing Club one day, while Dargaville and Kawakawa also can make out a strong case for an additional day each. But if there are to be only a dozen new permits to distribute what would be North Auckland's chance of obtaining even one-quarter of them? A very slender chance indeed, we are afraid. In many other parts of the Dominion there are racing clubs that can justify their desire to receive fresh permits, and twelve would not go far among so many. But few people would say that in order to meet the legitimate re- i quirements of developing districts Parliament should make a large addition to the number of permits. If the present Bill were carried there would be during the year 241 days of racing and 79 days of trotting, and 320 days in the twelve months should be enough for a country of the eize of New Zealand. If the permits were allotted j on a reasonable basis the provision cer- ; fcainly would" be sufficient, and Parliament would do the country good service if it faced the problem boldly and j •completely revised the list of totalis- | ator licenses. Some centres and dis- | tricts have more than their share of; racing; some places that have permits should not hold race meetings. If the scheme of distribution were thoroughly overhauled and the proposed additions were made, there would be quite enough licenses to go round, and the pitiable scramble that' will take place if the pre- ; sent measure is passed would be avoided. Parliament's reluctance to face the racing issue is really deplorable, just as it is deplorable that the racing authorities themselves do not assist Parliament to undertake a task that would perhaps be disagreeable, but sorely needs doing.