THE GAMING BILL.

Wairarapa Age, 22 July 1920, Page 5

THE GAMING BILL.

DISCUSSED IN COMMITTEE.

DOUBLE TOTE REJECTED.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Last Night. Tho House of Representatives went into committee to-night on the Gaming Act Amendment Bill. Mr. T. M. Wilford adversely criticised Clause 4, taking away the onus of proof from the prosecution, which he said was contrary to all principles of British justice. He condemned tho severity of the punishment proposed, and intimated Ihat he would move, at the cud of the Bill, legalising the publication of totalisator dividends. The Hon. E. Lee defended Clause 4. He said it was not new, and was not fatal to British justice. Tho same provision was in the licensing law. Because a person was found on licensed premises after hours he was assumed to be there in contravention of tho law, and ho had to .satisfy the Court to the contrary. It was simply establishing the principle of prima facie evidence, which was a principle well known. He contended that ample discretion was given to a Magistrate, so that the punishments were not unduly severe. Perhaps Clause 4 could be improved, Out it was vital to the Bill. Mr. Wilford maintained that if tho punishment of one month's imprisonment was imposed by a Magistrate under the Bill, thero was no appeal irom that decision on the facts of tho case, and that was what he objected to.

In Clause 2, Mr! 11. E. Holland moved to strike out "summary" conviction, in order to give an accused person a trial by jury.

The Hon. E. Lee said if tins was agreed to ,it would nullify the whole effect of the Bill. The Hon. J. G. Anderson said the Bill had been very carefully considered, and if the House was going to cut it about in all directions, then they were simply helping to prop up the bookmaker. Mr. P. Frascr contended that, the bookmaker should at least have the same rights as a thief or a murderer. He surely had a right to a trial by his peers. The fundamental principles of justice were of more importance than getting rid of the bookmaker. After further discussion, the Minister agreed to accept Mr. Holland's amendment, and "summary'' conviction was struck out, and the punishment was amended to not exceeding £IOO, arid not exceeding one month's imprisonment. Glauses 2 and 3, as amended, were passed. In Clause 4, the words "knowingly before issued" and "knowingly been a party to the issue of any card, 010.," were inserted. On the question that Clause 4, as amended, stand as part of the Bill, a further lengthy" discussion took place on the principle of the clause. A division was called for at 10.55 p.m., when the clause was retained by 49 votes to 18. The remainder of the clauses passed unamended. Mr. Wilford moved as a new clause: "Section 31 of the Gaming Act, 1908, is hereby repealed." If this was carried, he explained, it would permit Racing Clubs to establish a "double" totalisator. Messrs Hunter and Glenn supported | the proposal, because they said it would counteract the operations of the bookmaker. . The Hon. J. G. Anderson and Mr. Isitt opposed the clause. • Mr. Savage said he was astounded at the amendment the support given to it by the representatives of racing clubs. It looked as if the clubs were eager to get rid of the bookmaker ,in order that they might do the bookmaker's job themselves. Tho bookmaker shore the sheep close, but tho club wanted to got some of the pelt itself. Mr. Dickson (Parncll) said if this amendment was carried, it would be the first step towards a crusade for the abolition of the totalisator altogether. The Hon. W. Nosworthy said n single tote made for straighter racing than with a double tote on the course. Mr. Wilford admitted that he did not know whether the double tote would kill the bookmaker or not, but tho racing clubs thought it would, and had asked for it. On division, the amendment was lost by 42 votes to 22. Mr. Wilford moved a further amendment, which would legalise the publication of totalisator dividends. He thought others besides those who wero on the course should have the opportunity of knowing what the dividend was. The amendment was lost by Mb' votes to 28.