THE GAMING BILL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 17936, 2 August 1920, Page 5

THE GAMING BILL

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S ALTERATIONS. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 31. An interesting subject for lobby discussions just now is: What will I the House do with the Legislative | Council amendments in the Gaining Amendment Bill. The Bill, as amended, was reported to the House | yesterday, but consideration of the amendment was postponed till next sitting day. The principal amendments made by the Council are an extended definition of a bookmaker, an alteration in the clause regarding conviction to permit summary conviction on trial by jury, au increase in the penalty for betting with a bookmaker to permit of trial by a jury, money may be telegraphed to the course for investment, publication of dividends, and during the winter months no meeting Io exceed seven races per day. The House rejected the publication of dividends by 36 vots to 28. It mav on reconsideration be carried. The extended definition of a bookmaker is not in accord with the tone of the debate in the House, and there is bound to be strong opposition to it. Telegraphing money to a course is not likely to find a majority in the House. Of course, the House will disagree with al! the amendments in the first place, and there will then be conferences.