CHILDREN AND GAMBLING

Te Aroha News, Volume XLI, Issue 6439, 17 January 1924, Page 4

CHILDREN AND GAMBLING

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I have been very much interested in the correspondence in your columns under the heading of “A Serious Allegation.” I take off my hat to “Citizen” for his letter, which is undeniably true. He asks for a reason why gambling is allowed' to thrive unchecked and invites other readers views. I have read * “Joy Bells,” “Our Jock” and “Sympathy’s” letters, and find in them ncuanswer to “Citizen’s” question. I falso- think they are somewhat unfair to a perfectly fine writer, and side-track the point at issue. It is suggested that “Citizen” should join the Detective force and tell the Police their duty. If there were men of “Citizen’s” calibre on the Police force, and one who would do his duty and help to stamp out the evils of gambling in our town and Dominion, it would not be so prevalent as it is to-day. “Citizen” is dubbed a “kill-joy,” etc., and one who would stop all sport. I do not agree with that suggestion. He, like myselfj is probably fond of clean, healthy sport, and declines to condone anything’ that would taint it. The point at stake is whether an unlawful practice is going on and the law unable to find evidence to stop it. If gambling and bookmaking are unlawful which they certainly are, every effort should be made to stamp out the evils completely.’ It does not matter what “Citizen’s” view point 1 of gambling is, or whether he wantsto join in religious converting or police convicting work. Sir, gambling is an abomination in this little town of ours, and I say the bookie and his clique of parasites ought to be bundled out bag and baggage. In this town it is appalling that so many young boys—schoolboys—indulge in gambling. I have heard boys in knickerbockers discussing racing events with men who ought to be old enough to check them instead of encouraging them. It is a gigantic problem that must be dealt with. The job is a community-job. It is ours to deal with it. “Citizen” has led the way. All honour to him, and let us support his views and force the law to act.—l am, etc., MARCUS.