FOOTBALL.

Southland Times, Issue 18936, 24 September 1920, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

To the Editor. Sir,—For some time past articles and letters re the above have appeared in your paper and you are to be congratulated on the same. I think it is now time to raise a voice on another aspect—the disgusting amount of gambling on these matches. One cannot ride in a tram or pass a few men on the street without hearing the odds discussed. The morning after the Otago match I overheard two boys about 13 or 14 years old discussing the game. One of these had won “four bob.” Look back over the past of rugby in New Zealand and one can remember men who stood at the very top, but whose names are now a thing to forget because they were “got at.” It is bard to see the remedy, but if officials anti other grown men will soil this sport by gambling, they ought to keep quiet in public places and not encourage the rising generation to follow their example. This evil is very much on the increase, hence this letter.—l am, etc., CLEAN SPORT.