THE BETTING EVIL AT SPORTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8004, 6 May 1904, Page 1

THE BETTING EVIL AT SPORTS.

NEW SOUTH \ WALES ATHLETIC BODIES TAKE ACTION. ..' The evils arising from betting at sports meetings in Sydtaey have of late become so noticeable (writes "Prodigal" in the "Referee") that it is hardly' to be wondered at that at the' annual general ' meeting, of the New South Wales Amateur Athletic Association a. motion should have been submitted, and carried, which may lead to at least an amelioration, if not a total suppression, of the present condition of affairs. , To Mr E. S. Marks, a vice-president- of the Association, must be awarded the sole •credib of taking definite action in the matter. His motion had' for " its object the - convening of, a. meeting of - all the bodies governing tihe various departments of sport, together with leading citizens who are prominent men in. the world of sport, to talk the matter over, and arrange for a deputation ■to wait upon the AttorneyGeneral (Mrß. R. Wise), himself a famous amateur athlete, with a view to the Government taking action, and passing a Bill on lines similar to the Act recently passed in the Victorian) Parliament. By this Act a sports meeting can be " proclaimed," when all betting is put down under its rigorous clauses. This Act has worked wonders in Victoria in suppressing open betting. Mr Marks has/ I understand, already consulted the authorities at the Cricket Ground, Agricultural Ground, and the Sports Ground t also several athletic and cycling organisations, and everywhere has received hearty promises of support and assurances of representation at the coming conference. Mr C. D. Jones, honorary secretary to th^ New South Wales Amateur Athletic Association, is now issuing the invitations. \ It is; anticipated that, in addition to the New South Wales Athletic Association, the New South Wales Cyclists' Union, and the League of Wheelmen, . a great many other bodies, such as those controlling swimming, rowing, sailing and la crosse, will send representatives to the conference, at which it is hoped, particularly by athletes and cyclists, that something definite in the shape of doing away with the betting evil will be arrived at, and the Government induced to take up the matter with a short Act.- . ■': ■■ ■ : ■■ , .