BOOKMAKER LICFENSING

Taranaki Daily News, 13 July 1935, Page 9

BOOKMAKER LICFENSING

reintroduction urged NO SUPPORT FROM CONFERENCE. ■ PETITION WITH 553 SIGNATURES. TWO PLANS FAIL TO FIND FAVOUR. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Hie question of the reintroduction of bookmakers was thrashed out by the New Zealand Racing Conference to-day and after a full discussion delegates decided against taking any action either with a view to their legalisation or to investigation of the situation. The subject was introduced by a remit from the Auckland Racing Club: “That the conference take into consideration the question whether licensing of bookmakers under conditions approved by the conference should be permitted by law.” The remit by permission of the conference was amended to provide that the conference approve of the licensing of bookmakers, details of regulations under which they should operate to be left to a committee of the conference. Several delegates argued that it was preferable to bring underground betting to the surface, control it and receive the benefit of its taxation. The Hon. E. R. Davis, Auckland, presented 'a petition signed by 553 New Zealand owners and trainers asking for the return of bookmakers under proper safeguards and control as the conference might determine. Other delegates argued that the time was not opportune for a bookmaking Bill. Mr. D. M. Findlay, Wellington, moved an amendment that if thi trend of opinion toward bookmakers was found to increase the executive should consider the formation of a committee to sift the whole question and make a recommendation. .. . The motion was withdrawn in its favour. The amendment, however, was defeated and the discussion lapsed. .