THE TOTALISATOR

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8171, 12 July 1912, Page 7

THE TOTALISATOR

CREDIT v. CASH BETTING. SOME POINTS IN FAVOR OF THE MACHINE. SYDNEY, July 11. The minority report of the Totalisator Commission, signed by Mr Levien (chairman) and three other members, dealing with the evidence taken in New Zealand/ concludes: “Every witness absolutely opposed credit betting and preferred a cash system. The only witnesses opposed to the totalisator were clergymen, and these objected to all forms of betting, or those interested in bookmaking. In New Zealand 7i per cent, of the amount derived from the totalisator is devoted to improvements, the upkeep of racecourses, payment or wages, and increase of prizes; 2} per cent, going to the State. The courses are splendidly kept; besides being racecourses they are really public gardens.” The greaUbulk of the evidence taken in the Dominion was to the effect that the totalisator made racing purer, and enabled clubs to improve the grounds and increase prizes. That discouraged the big bettor and assisted in improving the breed of horses, especially trotting horses, some of which were among the finest in any part of the world. Mr McCourt, one of the Commissioners,- did not sign either report ; but recorded a series of observations in favor of the machine and the strict prevention of bookmakers. He suggested that 7i per cent, should be the maximum allowed to be deducted by the totalisator, the whole to be expended in prizes for the upkeep of racecourses. PRESS COMMENTS. SYDNEY, July 11. ' Commenting on the reports, the “Sydney Morning Herald” says the only conclusion to be drawn is that the majority on the Commission was unable to meet the arguments against the present evil system of betting, and in desperation decided that they were one-sided. The ’’Daily Telegraph” says: “Unfortunately, the reports are so contradictory that they shed no more light on the essential issues than Wo already had. About the only outstanding definite feature is the majority’s statement that wherever the totalisator is established it remains in operation, although it is formidably threatened in New Zealand. That is important evidence.”