DOG-RACING.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 23 December 1927, Page 5

DOG-RACING.

EFFECTS IN ENGLAND. GROWTH OF BETTING. Press Association-Electric Telegraph-Copyrighi (Received Friday, 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, Thursday, Replying to an all-party deputation of members of the House of Commons, drawing attention to the increase of dog-racing, and especially the encouragement of .juvenile Retting, Sir W. Joynson Hicks said that the effects of dog-racing had long caused him anxiety. The Government was naturally averse to interfering with healthy sport, but the growth of juvenile ‘betling was certainly a grave evil. He had already started enquiries regarding his powers in this connection. If fresh legislation were necessary lie hoped to introduce a bill next session. Beyond that tlie whole question demanded the Government's earnest consideration. He considered that it was his duty to give this warning to the people thinking of investing in a new undertaking. -Hr d. I,[. Thomas (Labour), on behalf of t lie deputation, said that he considered the .Minister’s reply adequate, and felt sure that city financial circles would note the Minister’s hint. Nobody contended that the workers did not need relaxation, but, representing every party, section, creed and ism, the deputation contended that dogracing was unsportsmanlike and demoralising. He knew of nothing that had so caught on with flic workers, so calculated to have a demoralising result, or so likely to ruin homes. The dcinitation. intended at the earliest opportunity to test the .feeling of the House of Commons, it was expected that the Government would say it was not a party issue. Money-lenders had appeared in factories, and he personally knew of many cases where the whole week’s wages had been mortgaged in advance. It was a damnable thing if the Sunday dinners of thousands of children wen? to be dependent on dog-racing on Saturday night. Sir W. Joynson Hicks hero vigorously nodded in agreement. Mr Thomas added that he realised that Sir W. Joynson Hicks’ power was limited, and lie should ask Parliament to increase it.—A.P.A. and “Sun.”