AN ANTI-GAMBLING DEPUTATION.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12680, 27 October 1909, Page 4

AN ANTI-GAMBLING DEPUTATION.

[United Press Association.] Wellington, Oct. 26. ' A deputation organised by the Citizens' Aiiti-Gamblin 'League and the Churches waited on the Premier today and urged a repeal of the clause of the Gaining- Act licensing bookmakers. The spokesmen wore the Hey Mr North and Mr A. R. Atkinson. The Premier, in reply, said lie would go into the more important aspects of the matter. Mr Atkinson did aiot understand the position. At the time of the passing of the Act of 1907 some very drastic proposals were originally embodied in the Bill, including the prohibition of street j b?ttiug, of .the publication, of tote odds, and proposals for the- protection of people from temptation to gamble. Those in the House of Representatives could have ««4>rovented any legislation from going through. Ho know that unless confined to racecourses the Bill could not have passed. The Government had also abolished racing wires from racecourses, and it was not encouraging to say that no one was guided by principle in tho matter, except Mr Atkinson and his friends. He (Sir Joseph. AVard) quite agreed that pony racing should be prohibited, and he would -help to do so; also that clubs •having no legal status should be abolished, as 'they wore clearly run pot for sport but for profit. Speaking for himself, ho was quite prepared to take the voice of the people on the question. The deputation appear very satisfied with the Premier's reply.