TIN HARE RACING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19833, 31 December 1927, Page 12

TIN HARE RACING.

Sir, —Since the announcement that' g company had been formed to introduce mechanical hare coursing into New Zealand a great many facts have come to light regarding the social evils attendant upon this new sport. I need not enumerate them again, but beg to draw attention to recent cables published in the press which indicate a growing alarm in other countries because of the demoralisation attributed to the " tin. hare " craze. Apparently it is impossible to dissociate from these meetings the worst temptations to irresponsible gambling, especially among young people. The State Parliaments of Victoria and New South Wales are seeking, by drastic means, to cuTb what has become a public menace. South Africa 13 following suit. South Australia has banned the sport altogether. From Great- Britain comes the news that the Cabinet has resolved on stern legislation next session and in this matter the Labour Party sees eye to eye with the Government. Months ago the Protestant churches of New Zealand resolved to resist to the utmost any attempt to introduce this unnecessary and questionable sport into this country. We should enter upon such a campaign with sure confidence that the electorate would back us to the full. But I venture to seize the present moment, when we are looking forward to a New Year of goodwill and better living, to appeal to the promote/s of Mechanical Hares, Limited, to abandon their proposal to initiate a course in Auckland. May I appeal to them to do the brave and fine thing in recognising that since their proposal was first made the whole aspect of this matter has altered ? Such a lead would be in line with the best traditions of New Zealand and establish more firmly than ever our pride in God's Own Country as the champion of public order "and decency. W, Lawson Marsh, The Manse, Devonport'.