Page 10 Advertisements Column 4

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18547, 6 May 1922, Page 10

CLEANING UP RACING

A DEMOCRATIC SOLUTION. There is an uneasy feeling in the minds of people who whole-heartedly admire racing as a sport that the game is not'all that it should be -at the present time—that unless certain undesirable adherents are removed, extremists will take the opportunity of fanning the flame of suspicion in endeavouring to wipe racing out altogether. The fact is that legislation against the bookmaker has not' killed bookmaking, but has driven it underground, so that a pernicious system of secret betting now extends its tentacles into shops, offices, and factories ; destroying efficiency and causing a huge economic waste. In the old days wo had a different typo of man openly operating in the centres. J'iuo chaps most of them were, and they enjoyed the respect of the sporting' community. Many, people wish they were with us now. We mid.c ourselves in New Zealand on our democratic spirit. Why • not clean up racing in a democratic way? A petition at present in circulation asks that a Parliamentary Commission shall be set up to take evidence from both sides as to the legalising of bookmaking operations on racecourses only. This petition is being freely signed. Sportsmen can see that if the reputable bookmaker is allowed to operate on courses, not only would the public bo able to “back their fancy,” with a choice of odds, but the control of the sport of kings” would be above . reproach and secure against the inroads of extremists. Add your signature to this petition today, It has been freely circulated, and may be signed almost anywhere. When petitions ore filled up they should be promptly returned to Box 1011, Wellington. —Advt.