GREYHOUND RACING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20290, 24 December 1927, Page 11

GREYHOUND RACING

RESTRICTIVE LEGISLATION,

A SLUMP IN SHARES.

(Pres. Association—By Telegraph—Copyright j LONDON, December 22.

The shares of th e greyhound racecourse companies slumped heavily on the Stock Exchange as the result of a statement made by the Home Secretary (Mr W. Jqynson-Hicks) that restrictive legislation might be considered by the Government. —A. .and N.Z. Cable.

EVILS OF THE RACING

DEPUTATION TO HOME SECRETARY

A SYMPATHETIC REPLY

LONDON, December 22

Replying to an all-party deputation ot members of the House of Commons, draw, ing attention to the increase of dog racing, especially the encouragement of juvenile betting, Sir William Joynson-Hicks said that tbo effects of dog racing had long caused him anxiety. The Government was naturally averse to interfering with healthy sport, but the growth of juvenile betting was certainly a grave evil. He had already started inquiries regarding his powers in this connection. 1' fresh legislation were necessary he hoped to introduce a Bill next session. Beyond that the whole' question demanded the Government’s earnest consideration. He considered it his duty to give this warning to people thinking of investing in new undertakings. Mr J. H. Thomas, on behalf of the deputation, said that he considered the Minister’s reply adequate,, and felt sure that city financial circles would note the Minister’s hint. Nobody contended that the workers did not need relaxation, but, representing every party, section, creed, and ism, the deputation contended dog racing was unsportsmanlike and demoralising. He knew of nothing that had so caught on with th e workers ; so calculated to have demoralising results, and so likely to ruin homes. The deputation intended at the earliest opportunity to test the feelings of the House of Commons. It expected that the Government would say that it was not a party issue. Moneylenders appeared in factories, and he personally knew of many cases where a whole week’s wages had been mortgaged in advance. It was a damnable thing if thousands of children’s Sunday dinners were to be dependent on dog racing on Saturday night. Sir William Joynson-Hicks here vigorously nodded agreement. Mr Thomas added that he realised that Sir William Joynson-Hicks’s power was limited, and he should ask Parliament to increase it. —A. and N.Z. and Sydney Sun Cable.

BETTING BY CHILDREN. A BILL TO BE INTRODUCED. LONDON. December 22. (Received Dec. 23, at 9 p.m.) Sir William Joynson-Hicks’s warning last night had a strikin'’ effect on Greyhound Racing Club’s shares, which slumped heavily in London and provinces, some to the extent of 36 per cent. Inquiries in the House of Commons lobbies show that large numbers of members arc dissatisfied with the position created by the phenomenal development of dog racing, but feel that general prohibition would be useless and likclv to create a reaction in favour of the sport. Sir William Jovnson-Hicks. in 1928, will introduce a Bill dealing generally with juvenile delinquency, including powers to stop children bettin” at greyhound meetings. The legality of any betting on dog races is expected to be tested shortly in the law courts.—A. and N.Z. Cable.'

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