THE NECESSARY BOOKMAKER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18542, 1 May 1922, Page 6

THE NECESSARY BOOKMAKER.

GAMING ACT A FAILURE. In a court of British justice both sides of the cuse are heard before an accused person is convicted. Yet paradoxically, in the administration of some of our sports, we take the old standard which belongs to pro-Magna Charts, days. The Bookmaker was abolished from the Now Zealand Racecourses arbitrarily, without having a chance to defend himself. Now, with the passage of years, people are beginning to see that he was actually one of the influences which helped to guard the privileges of the Racing Olubs and the si>orting community, by reason of his jealous regard for the reputatin of the game. As a rule he was a jovial, well-respected person. He looked upon his avocation/as a worthv one, and his conduct was accordingly ethical. When the Gaming Act. came into operation the best men, to save their reputation, withdrew. The public now know all about the system of pernicious secret, betting which resulted. Naturally the sportsmen’s petition to Parliament. asking for a commission to inquire, into the advisability of again legalising the book-nmkev. has ’received big support. If the "Bookie" conies back he will give the publn an opportunity of betting with the choice of bookmaker or totalisator. Again Sports of moderate means will find that they will not have to back their ‘‘fancy” beyond what they can afford. Sign the petition to-day. It is in your own interest. The petition has been freely circulated, und may be signed almost anywhere.

When the petitions are filled up they should be promptly returned to Box 1011, Wellington.- Advt.