BOOKMAKERS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18757, 13 July 1935, Page 7

BOOKMAKERS

PROPOSAL FOR RETURN RACING CONFERENCE ATTITUDE - (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. . The question' of the re-introduction of bookmakers was thrashed out at the Racing Conference to-uay, and alter 4 fiilt discussion, delegates decided a b ains, taking;‘any action cither with a view to their legalisation or to an investigation of the situation. The subject was introduced by a remit from the Auckland Racing Cluo: ‘‘Thai the conference take into - consideration the question as to whether or not -the licensing of bookmakers under conditions approved by the conference should be permitted by law.” The remit, by permission of the coif feredee, was amended to provide: “That the conference .approve of the licensing of bookmakers, the details of the regulations under which they should operate to be left to a committee of the conference.” ’ Several delegates urged that it was. preferable to bring underground betting to the surface and control it and receive the benefit of its taxation. The, H.on. K. R. Davis, of Auckland, presented a petition signed by 553 owners -and trainers asking for the return of bookmakers under proper safeguards and control as the conference might determine. Other delegates argued that the time was not oppprtune for a Bookmakiilg Bill. Mr.' D. M. Finlay, Wellington, moved an amendment to the effect that if the trend of opinion towards bookmakers was found to increase, the executive should consider the formation of a committee to sift the whole question and make a recommendation. ' Tho motion was withdrawn in its favor, but the amendment, put as a motion, was defeated and tho discussion lapsed.