EUCHRE PARTIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21342, 17 November 1932, Page 10

EUCHRE PARTIES

BREACH OF THE LAW

REMEDY IN LEGISLATION

PRIVATE BILL SUGGESTED

[BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER]

WELLINGTON, Wednesday

The removal of the ban on euchre prize parties was sought by <1 deputation from the School Committees' Conference which waited on the Minister of Justice, the Hon. J. G. Cobbc, toylay.

In replying, Mr. Cobbc acknowledged the valuable and humanitarian work being done bv school committees. 'lhe holding of euchre tournaments was a breach of the law. Unfortunately.* complaints had been made to the police, and the police had no alternative but to issue the warning they had. The deputation was asking him to overlook an illegal action, but neither he as Minister nor the police had any power to do that. Of course, there was a way out, and that was by means of a private member's bill to amend the Act. The law made no distinction in respect to objects for which euchre parties were promoted. Jt was not in his power to give permission for euchre parties to be held. He could only administer the law. He was sorry he could not give the deputation a more satisfactory answer.

If a private member's bill were introduced, he felt sure it would be supported. At the same time, it had to be remembered that a certain section objected to euchre parties, and there was bound to be opposition from certain quarters. Mr. It. McKeen, M.P., said immediate steps would be taken to promote an amending bill.