HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXII, Issue 9734, 22 July 1910, Page 6

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

THE GAMBLING ACT

The House met at 2.30 p. in. Sir Joseph Ward moved tlmfe in the opinion of the House the provisions of the Gaming Act of ISJUi. relating to the licensing ot bookmakers, should be repealed. Ihe Bill of 1907 was the outcome of public feeling in regard to bookmakers and the abuses iv connection with their operations. The whole object of liceusing the bookmakers was that it confined their operations to the racecourse. Soino clubs had done their best to make the clause unpopular and east odium on those responsible for it. A number of clubs refused to license bookmakers, with the result that a legal opinion was taken, and the clubs were compelled to carry out the law. Some clubs, acain.licenseit bookmakers indiscriminately in some instances for political purposes. The result was, as ho bad predicted, that a number ot bookmakers had taken exception to some of those licensed to carry on betting operations on the racecourse. .bookmakers had increased by 75 pnr cent. ias the result of indiscriminate licensl in* Some clubs, with the object ot thwartiug the will of the Legislature, had gone in for wholesale licensing. It was beyond doubt that all classes in the community realised that "ambling had increased to such an extent as to justify Parliament in dealins drastically with it. Ho gave details showing that there bad been a I considerable increase in race meetings, which for tho past year averaged about one h day. It whs desirable, in the best interests of the country, that the resolution be car-

ried. , ~ Mr Massey did not believe there was any instance of clubs being inspired by political motives. Ho did not blame the clubs for what had taken place. Why had uot the Government brought down a Bill instead ot resolutions? Tho Cabinet had no opinions of its own, or, if it had, had not the courage of its opinions. A Bill would be based on the opinions ot the House. Had he not been indisposed ,vhen the clause was passed giving a legal status to the bookmaker, he ventured to say it might not have been carried. The great majority ot the House were open to admit a very serious mistake in legalising the bookmaker. Members had fallen into the trap cunningly prepared for them. The totalisator was free from many of the evils of the licensed bookmaker. He trusted those who had been led iuto the trap of 1908 would now realise their mistake.

Sir Joseph Ward read a communication from several leading bookmakers combating the arguments used in favour of the repeal of the bookmaker's clause, and denying Jiat the clause had increased betting. Some clubs had granted licenses to notorious "vrelshers," thus bringing the reputable bookmakers into bad odour. Mr Stallworthy do.fended his action in voting for the Bill of I'JOT, and said iVlr Justice Chapman not only condemued the bookmaker but the 'tote. . Also that the gambling evil ought ro be wiped out entirely in all its forms. Mr Millar said he would support the bookmaker on this occasion as he had done before. He asked what was gambling, and whether it was right or wrong. If wrong, it was wrong, no matter how carried on. it was coming to this, that the working man would be branded as a criminal for making a bet; because he had not the facilities of the wealthier classes. There was no doubt that the racing clubs had attempted to bring the Gaming Act into disrepute, and had granted licenses to bad characters. Those agitating for a repeal of the clause were endeavouring to create a monopoly in favour of the horseowners. Betting would go on even if the bookmakers were abolished. Every man was a gambler, if gambling was defined as a desire to get something for nothing. Hβ had betted all his life, and would continue to do so. It might as well be argued that as marriage was responsible for much misery, the Marriage Act ought to be repealed, as ask for the abolition of the bookmaker on account of the mischief caused by betting. If gambling was a vice, the best tiling was to have it carried on in full view, not to drive it into secret places. Mr Herries defended the clubs from the charge of allowing financial considerations to influence their actions in regard to the bookmaker. He also denied that the racing clubs had been actuated by political motives, or had made an organised effort to bring the Gaming Act into disrepute.

Mr Buddo said there had been a general complaint as to the number of race meetings.

Mr Herdman contended that gambling could not be stamped out by legislation. The House ought to consider how it could be controlled.

Messrs Hogan, Pearce and Hanan supported the resolution.

The House rose afc 5.30 p m

In the evening Mr Hardy said he favoured the retention of the totalisator.

Mr Malcolm announced his intention to vote against the bookmaker and totalisator. If a repressive law were strictly enforced, it would be found impossible for the bookmaker to carry on his business.

Mr Taylor (Christchnrch) could not understand why the bookmaker was singled out for drastic treatment. He would vote for the abolition of both bookmaker and totalisator. He moved to add the following words to the resolution : "And that the question of repealing the legislation permitting the use of the totalisator be xeferred to the vote of the people within six months from this date." He was confident that the opposition of large horse-owners to the bookmakers was that they stood to gain through the increased amount handled by the clubs owing to totalisator bets. A referendum was the only proper means of obtaiDing a popular decision on the issue. Horse racing was only carried on as a means of unhealthy excitement, and as a means of acquiring gain, which many men were too lazy to get by industry.