Bookmakers' Grievance

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXII, Issue 6793, 19 January 1897, Page 2

Bookmakers' Grievance

(by telegraph. ) Wellington, January 18. A number of bookmakers, introduced by Mr G. Hutchison, M.H.R., waited on the Premier with regard to racing clubs excluding them from the exclosurea. The deputation submitted that until the Supreme Court had determined the rights of parties it was unfair and un-British that the police should favor one side more than the other, and very unfair that the police should lend themselves as prosecutors, and lay informations and do the work of the clubs in prosecuting bookmakers for trespass. The result was that if the police informations failed no indemnity in point of costs could be recovered by the successful defendant, whereas if the clubs were left to conduct their own prosecutions for trespass, and ultimately failed, they would be mulcted in costs. The Premier, in reply, said a tost case was pending, and if the Government was to say at the present stage that what had been law up to now should be suspended it would be tantamount to an admission that the Government was in doubt; that, in fact, what had been done up to the present had been illegal. It was not the desire of the Government that the police should take sides. They were wanted to carry out the law. The deputation, he thought, would recognise that until the Supreme Court had given its decision it would not be right for the Government to interfere in any way. Mr Seddon said for the Minister of Justice to give instructions to the police not to take any part in carrying out the wishes of the clubs would be improper at the present juncture, and he reiterated his decision not to interfere.