GAMBLING ENCOURAGED.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 46, Issue 14127, 27 May 1920, Page 4

GAMBLING ENCOURAGED.

The loudest and longest howl against the bookmaker comes from the individual who at some time or other has been bitten by one of the “wool brokers” in the direction of not receiving a dividend which was considered to be due. It is not, of course, in the publicinterests that this type of individual “beats the air” and gnashes his teeth; it is a desire for revenge that prompts his conduct. The individual who bets with the bookmaker deserves no sympathy if he is “taken down.” If the Government would give the press better libel laws and allow them freedom in regard to reporting race meetings properly, we are of opinion that gambling in regard to races would decrease to a very considerable extent, especially that which is carried, on with the bookmaker. No one wants to bet with a bookmaker. An investor would much sooner send his money per telegram to a racing club secretary during a race meeting than trust it to the tender mercies of a‘ ‘ wool broker, ’ But the Government, in order to provide a livelihood for the bookmakers, decided to abolish the right to send money by telegraph for investment at a race meeting —just what the bookmakers, wanted. Legislation will not wipe" gamblng out; on the contrary, “twoup,” “crown and anchor,” “poker,” and other notorious gambling games now flourish more than ever. If a man is prevented from sending his money to a race course for investment, per medium of the telegraph service; it will not prevent him betting on a race, for ho will turn to the nearest book-maker. Then, again, who is going to define who is and who is not a bookmaker. In Masterton alone there' are probably scores of persons, not recognised as bookmakers in the strict sense, who accept bets on every race meeting, and we venture to say that the same conditions exist in every town in New Zealand. If a “racing fan” cannot get his money to the racecourse he will bet with the bookmaker, be he of the “half-crown” type or the “hundred guinea woolbroker.' ’