THE NECESSARY BOOKMAKER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18079, 2 May 1922, Page 9

THE NECESSARY BOOKMAKER.

GAMING ACT A FAILURE. In a Court of British justice both sides of the case are heard before an accused person is convicted. Yet paradoxically, in the administration of some of our sports, we take v tho old standard which belone's to pre-Magna Charta days. The bookmaker was abolished from tne New Zealand racecourses arbitrarily, without having a chance to defend himself. Now, w/.th tho passage of years, people are beginning to see that he was actually one of the influences which helped to guard the privileges of the Racing Clubs and the sporting community, by reason of his jealous regard for the reputation of the game. As a rule he was a jovial, well-respected person. Ho looked upon his avocation as a worthy one, and his conduct was accordingly ethical. When the Gaming Act came into operation the best men, to save their reputation, withdrew. The public now know all about the system of pernicious secret betting which resulted. Naturally the sportsmen's petition to Parliament asking for a commission to inquire into the advisability of again legalising the bookmaker, has received big support. If the " bookie " comes back he will give the public an opportunity of betting with the choice of bookmaker or totalisator. Again, sports of moderate means will find that they will not have to back their " fancy " beyond what they can afford. Sign the petition to-day. It is in your own interest. The petition has been freely circulated, and may be signed almost anywhere. When the petitions are filled up they should be promptly returned to Box IOU, Wellington. —(Advt.)