CLOSED BY POLICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24855, 3 March 1942, Page 4

CLOSED BY POLICE

PATRIOTIC CASINO OBJECTION TO METHOD OBLIGATIONS OF PUBLIC The Police Department notified the meeting of the Dunedin-St. Kilda Subzone Committee, held yesterday morning, that the Casino which is at present being conducted in the Ritz building in Princes street would have to be closed down. The chairman of the committee (Mr A. C. Cameron) explained what had happened, the discussion being taken in committee. It may be stated, however, that the Police Department took up the attitude that, while some elasticity might be allowed in the running of casinos, etc., if voluntary patriotic workers were in charge, it could nqt allow such methods of raising patriotic funds to be conducted by professionals, working on a percentage basis of the takings. Principle of Direct Giving The question of conducting a casino on different lines was discussed, and it was decided to place the responsibility for the raising of funds on the general public. A motion was carried unanimously that, in the event of the total amount of £73,500 required from Otago for the All Purposes 1942 Patriotic Fund being raised by direct giving, casinos and art unions should be discontinued forthwith. If the effort is not successful other methods will be adopted, and a sub-committee was appointed to draw up rules governing the running of casinos, etc., and report to a meeting of the committee to be held next Monday morning. ■ A deputation consisting of the Rev. E. R. Vickery, president of the Council of Christian Congregations, and the Rev. W. A. Hamblett waited on the committee to give an assurance that the churches, were desirous of assisting the movement to gather funds. Co-operation of Churches

Mr Vickery said that a letter had been received from Wellington stating that the churches in all the centres were co-operating as much as they could in the patriotic work, particularly in regard to straight-out giving. They had felt that they, as churches, would like to do all they could to assist in the appeal. They suggested that a house-to-house canvass could be made, and they were willing to undertake to get all their churches, both from the pulpit and through other methods, to foster the movement. They could be assured of the wholehearted support of the churches, particularly in any arrangement for straight-out giving. Mr Hamblett supported the remarks of Mr Vickery. The chairman said that they were very grateful to receive the constructive suggestions which the deputation had put forward. He added that their help in a direct appeal would be much appreciated. Reports from the various sub-com-mittees were submitted, and satisfaction was expressed at the progress being made.