GAMBLING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21480, 2 May 1933, Page 13

GAMBLING

Sir, —The confusion of thought and inconsistency of argument. which mark "Student's" contribution to this discussion would call for no reply did he not appeal "in the name of reason" to the thoughtful rational beings to endorse his opinions. Even the average person with no pretention to be studious will smile at equating the gambling fraternity with explorers, traders, missionaries and empire-builders. It is a sorry state o£ mind which sees no difference between these heroic, efficient and patient pioneers, and the poor dupes who put down 5s in the hope of winning £2OOO. The love of adventure is one oi: the finest characteristics of human nature. But any student of the facts knows that gambling is one o:F the meanest perversions of the adventurous spirit. What is more, it destroys it. You do not find gamblers promoting any good or useful enterprise. The more they gamble the. more selfish and socially useless they become. "Student" would abolish all prohibitions that interfere with "natural passions inherent in mankind." So to gratify his whim to gamble we should logically abolish laws against theft, adultery, assault and battery, etc., etc., in the (sacred) name of reason. Perhaps I might suggest before he enters into public discussion that "Student" should acquaint himself with the history and the social bearings of this question. It might dawn upon him that opposition to Govern-ment-promoted lotteries is based on the reasoned conviction of people most in touch with human nature and most concerned for its happiness, prosperity and progress. W. Lawson Marsh.