FURTHER TOTALISATOR PERMITS

Tuapeka Times, Volume LIX, Issue 6785, 16 October 1920, Page 3

FURTHER TOTALISATOR PERMITS

A COMMISSION TO IiKI'OKT. The Gaming Amcndmnt Bill (fathered by Mr G. Hunter) which provided for the issue of additional to talisator permits, which passed the second reading the other night after a vigorous stonewall by a number of stalwart opponents, and which was interrupted in the committee stage by the proposal of the Prime Minister to refer the matter to a Commission, was again before the House on Wednesday night : Mr Massey said he proposed to ask the House to pass the title clause, then he would move to strike out the rest of the Bill, including the proposals for the issue of .'IS additional totalisator permits, and to substitute a new clause. This clause would be provided for the purpose of determining the racing clubs to which licenses were to be granted for next racing season, and the number of days for which each club should be licensed in each year, •■ A commission, consisting of live persons, should be appointed to make inquiries and prepare a report for the Government. The Governor-General, on receipt pf this report, would be entitled to authorise by Order-in Council the issue of licenses not exceeding the number recommended by the commission. Any order in Council so made would require to be reported to Parliament within 30 days of the opening of next session, and if either House disagreed with what had been done the Order would lapse. Another clause which lie proposed to move would provide for the issue of eight additional licenses to hunt clubs.' so that each of the 10 hunt clubs might have one permit each year. He understood that ito objection was taken to this arrangement. The Prime Minister added that he had brought the Bill forward again with the object of. letting members sec what, the Government proposed. He did not know when the Bill would be proceeded with. He would ask the House to agree to the. short title, then he would move tho now clauses, and leave the matter there for the present. The supporters of the increase of permits (including Mr Hunter) having expressed their approval of the proposal of the Prime Minister, and the opponents their doubts as to the outcome of a Commission (which Mr fsitt averred might be composed entirely of racing men) and their opposition to increasing the gambling facilities, progress was re ported, on the understanding that 'thproposals of the Government would be circulated, and members would have an opportunity ,<( considering them before the measure was again brought before the House.