GAMBLING QUESTION

Southland Times, Issue 18984, 19 November 1920, Page 6

GAMBLING QUESTION

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY DIS- .. .. CUSSION. RACING PERMITS. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, November 18. Gambling and its evil effects were referred to at to-day’s meeting of the Presbyterian General Assembly, when the re "'lit of the Life and Work Committee was brought up. Mr D. i). Scott, who presented the report, said there was a strong suspicion in his and other people’s minds that the number of racing permits would be increased by the Commission appointed by the Government last session. The Presbyterian Church had sent in various protests against an increase of racing permits, but he thought it would have to do more than that. On his motion the Assembly decided that an appeal be made to the Education Department to publish carefully prepared articles in the “School Journal” against the vice of gambling; that special instructions be given in all Sunday schools and that ministers be urged to preach against gambling. Mr D. C. Herron moved a motion pro - testing against any proposal to increase the number of racing permits especially in view of the urgent need for increased production.

Members of the Assembly were sympathetic with the motion but thought too much stress was being laid on the economic point of view and the motion was referred to the Public Questions’ Committee to be revised.