THE GAMBLING SPIRIT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16037, 30 January 1920, Page 8

THE GAMBLING SPIRIT.

To -til© Editor. Sir—lt does not require a great effort of thought on the part of the Government to realise tne desirability of instituting something in the shape of (1) State lotteries; (2) Racing consultations on the Tasmanian principle; or (3) Premium bonds. It is an obvious fact, and one that must occasion most thinking people to seriously ponder over, that there are staggering increases on all recent totalisator investments, as compared to previous meetings. Almost every week convictions are recorded for various forms of gambling. Now, sir, it is only reasonable to presume that TattersalTs sweeps, in spite of the Government embargo, have proportionately increased. I venture to assert, without serious fear of contradiction, that tens of thousands of pounds leave this Dominion annually for Tasmania. It is all very well for the Government to adopt an ostrich-like attitude and pretend that they are not aware that such is the case. People will gamble in spite of anything or any law that may say “Thou Shall Not Gamble." This being the case what happens? Going to a race meeting is about the only avenue for this habit, that is, legally. Very well, everyone cannot attend these meetings, so the result is that huge sums change hands, and the country gains not a bit. The sooner the Government grasp this obvious fact and institute something to meet the situation, which, in spite of any means they may use, will still flourish, then so soon will the public have an outlet for their desire for a moderate flutter, and the - exchequer will be so much the richer. —I am, etc., NATHAN SOLOMON,