THE GAMING BILL

Taranaki Daily News, 13 September 1934, Page 9

THE GAMING BILL

LOWER HOUSE PROSPECTS. MUCH PROGRESS UNLIKELY.. An opportunity for the House of Representatives to discuss the Gaming Amendment Bill, passed by the Legislative Council last week, will be given by the Government, according to a statement made by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes (says the Wellington Dominion). Mr. Forbes said he hoped to allow further discussion on all Bills promoted by private members. He had given a definite undertaking that a further opportunity would be given for discussing the Religious Instruction in Public Schools Enabling Bill. No special facilities had been sought regarding the Gaming Bill, and he did not know who would have charge of it in the House, but there was no reason why it should not arise for consideration in the usual way. On one point, however, Mr. Forbes was emphatic. He would not move for urgency for the measure, as he did last year. On that occasion the urgency motion was lost. It is considered very doubtful whether the Bill will make much progress, even allowing for the fact that the clause regarding the telegraphing of bets has been omitted this year. Al-

ready, hints are being given that opponents of the Bill will exqrt every effort to impede its progress by making long speeches and moving numerous amendments. Further, the later in the session the Bill appears in the House the smaller are its prospects of passing, because the pressure of Government legislation will curtail the time available for discussing private Bills. =7— '