LAW AGAINST BETTING

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11304, 1 September 1922, Page 5

LAW AGAINST BETTING

IRIVIHG IT UNDERGROUND “TOTE SHOPS IN EVERY TOWN AND VILLAGE.” BRING I TABQV-E SURFACE. Speaking in the House of Representatives last; night Mr R. W. Smith (W.aimarimo) said that the laws of today had driven betting underground and that it would be much better from nil points of view if it were carried cm above ground. “I have in my possession ” A Government member: Don’t bring cut your double chart. Mr Smith said that, he had in his possession information which showed that the Government had lost in taxation befcwen £4O and £SO on the betting of one man on one meeting. Mo Howard: No wonder there are bankruptcies up your way. Mr Smith said that to-day people who wanted to bet had to go to a bookmaker or a meeting, and mors money was being put through the bookmaker than through the totalisator. A member: How do you know? Mr Smith: Because there are tote shops in every little town and village. Mr Lysnar: Like sly-grog will be under prohibition. Mr Smith: Where you find one totalisator there are a thousand tote shops. Mr Smith claimed that the bringing of the business above the surface would not lead to an increase in gambling, but would result in an increase in the revenue of , the country. Be hoped that before tire session ended a •bill in that direction would be brought down. He knew that any such measure would be opposed, but he thought it better if betting were oarried on above ground.