Art Union Estimates.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20296, 4 May 1934, Page 6

Art Union Estimates.

Dear Sir,—When New Zealand art unions became law I and many more considered it a good thing for our Dominion as it would keep many thousands of pounds in the country, money which, with all the restrictions in force, was still going overseas. No doubt it had the desired effect for some time, but the Minister and. no doubt, Cabinet, in their allocation of surpluses have given it a great setback by giving thousands of pounds to a jockey club, lawn tennis club, domain board, officers’ club, and so on, when there were thousands of people throughout the country on the bread and butter line. Cabinet Ministers do not seem to realise the state our country is in and it was only after pressure was brought to bear that they* have given a better deal with the surplus money, although the Minister admits the receipts are greatly falling off, which I can quite believe. The only way for recovery is to add more prizes, say fifty more £lO and 100 more £5 ones, and give the surplus to unemployed and gold prospecting, as I believe there are tons of gold underground yet. Many know that Tatts have added several thousands of pounds in extra prizes and increased the first prize to £12,000, and a few months ago a first prize and many more came to New' Zealand, which shows money is still going overseas. If three persons were to invest 2s each and got a first it would mean £4OOO each to them as against 2s 6d for a first prize in New Zealand—one of £2OOO. I have been a subscriber to New Zealand ones from the start but I have rung off them now in disgust.—l am, etc.. SUBSCRIBER.