THE GAMING’ACT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20085, 2 March 1928, Page 6

THE GAMING’ACT

AN ALTERATION DESIRED PLAYING OF EUCHRE TOURNAMENTS. [ Per Press Association. 1 CHRISTCHURCH, March 1. A large deputation, including many women, some with children, waited on the Prime Minister this morning and asked for an alteration in the GamingAct to legalise progressive enchre parties. Mr E. J. Howard, M.P., said that ho had never known anyone ruined by progressive euchre, which was an innocent game used to raise money for good objects. Mr AV. Harvey, representing the school committees, explained that euchre parties were often used to raise money for school needs such as swimming baths. Replying, Mr Coates said that the only possible objection he could think of was whether people should piny cards or not. He would refer the matter to the Minister of Justice and to the Attorney-General to investigate the legal position. Mr Coates said that the Judge in the recent case had no option but to accept the law as it stood. He was pleased that the deputation recognised that. Due or two paints occurred to him. It must be considered whether the parties might encourage young people to play cards for money, though it was quite clear from the statement that no money was played for. There was an entrance fee and money prizes were provided. AVhether the position could be met by giving some kind of trophies he could not say. A member of the deputation said that no money prizes were paid. Mr Coates said that that point should be emphasised.