The Stratford Evening Post With which is Incorporated "THE EGMONT SETTLER." (Established 1890.) MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 1933 Art Unions.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 342, 28 August 1933, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post With which is Incorporated "THE EGMONT SETTLER." (Established 1890.) MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 1933 Art Unions.

ROTORUA has been making history of late. A few days ago a proposal was put forward to raise the level of the lake, and now conies a scheme to institute a mammoth sweep on the lines of that periodically held in Ireland. The most important feature of such movements is that they bring in large amounts of foreign money and New Zealand is entitled to some of this to balance her outgoings for similar purposes. At the first blush it would appear that Rotorua would make a monopoly of the benefits, but, if one were authorised we would probably have a succession of sweepstakes to provide funds for the development of the .tourist districts. The principle is laid down in the art unions already held and normally there is no difference between a small and a big effort. It is probable, we think, that if the Government can be induced to entertain the idea it will be as a national enterprise and under State jurisdiction. It would have to give a guarantee that the. interests of the outside investors would be protected, and it might as well take full responsibility for operating the sweeps. The benefits of such an undertaking are manifold. The financial results would be similar to those obtained from tourist traffic, as a liberal percentage of the entire amount contributed to the lottery would be available for the work to be carried out. A large staff would be required continuously, and the extensive operations for which the money is required would absorb a considerable amount! of the surplus labour. Altogether it would help wonderfully if the Government could be persuaded to sanction such an enterprise. Considering the reservations covering the art unions now authorised we doubt if the Minister will view the matter in the same light as the Rotorua people. Mr. Hamilton is rather ashamed of the Government permitting gambling and has endeavoured to minimise the guilt of the Coalit.’on by curtailing the publicity accorded the art unions and rendering it more difficult to sell tickets. This salving of the conscience may satisfy the Minister, but it does not alter the fact that a gamble is a gamble whether it: is advertised in a few lines or m full page displays. There will be a wide difference of opinion in regard to the question throughout the country, and it will take a great deal of oersuasion to overcome the prejudice of those who feel that there is a want of dignity in such methods of obtaining funds. After all there is much to be said before any definite decision is arrived at by the Government. It is certainly an intriguing proposal, and one that would go far towards solving some of our most difficult problems,