THE REFORM QUESTION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2667, 26 April 1905, Page 47

THE REFORM QUESTION.

The latest files to hand from England are full of correspondence and editorial comment all decrying the Betting Bill, which the so-called reformers are trying- to get made into law. There is no doubt that if these "reformers" onco "got the bit in their teefch," they would run amok, and, like the feather-brained equincs who were instrumental in coining the quotation, probably do a lot of irresponsible damage before their irrational career was halted by the brake of common sense. A correspondent in the London Sportsman writes as follows in sarcastic reference to the Betting Bill, and suggests that many bills might be introduced with advantage by our rn.oth.erlv legislators, as follows: —

A bill to prevent the manufacture of knives, razors, scissors, needles, pins, and all instruments having sharp edges or points, it having been proved in the past that these instruments have been the cause of many deaths — intentional and accidental.

A bill to prevent the sale of tea and coffee. Many doctors have testified to the evil effects ot these articles when used to excess.

A, bill to prevent the running of railway engines, many suicides having occurred in the past two or three years by persons throwing themselves in front of the said engines. A bill to prevent the importation of oranges, many a good man having broken his head by falling on peel carelessly thrown on the pathway.

A bill designed to make it a criminal offence for any person to let bo<vt<s out on hire. Many have been drowned that would have lived had they never had the opportunity of hiring a boat.

A bill to prevent the sale of coal, oil, candles, and matches, these aiticles having caused much injury to the King's subjects for a long time past. A bill to prevent the erection of scaffolding,

and to make it a criminal offence for smy paity to climb ladders, walls, or in any v\a\ rai^e them3elves above 3ft from the surfpee of the earth, there bomg much danger m so doing.

A bi". lo pievcnt the playing of football, cricket, hockey, polo, lacrosse, and to prevent boxing, running, cycling, and all other sports that have in the past been causes of death or injury to any person duimg the la^t 10 years.

A bill which shall make it a piirain.V. offeree for any man, woman, or child to think, do, or say anything without lirst consulting the Bishop of Hereford, Lord Davey, and associates.

One could suggest bills v.-hicli would invito all penniless and diseased foreigners to come and take up their residence here and make use of all our chaiitics free of charge, and receive JE2OO per head for doing «o. That all foreign countries be invited and assisted to undersell and destroy our manufactures, etc. When shall wo havp laws to aid and not paralyse our energies?