RAFFLES FOR ROADS.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16813, 3 June 1926, Page 4

RAFFLES FOR ROADS.

The Right Hon. J. G. Coates, replying to a local deputation on Tuesday, slated most emphatically that the brake was to be pressed down hard on the art union movement. That announcement will lie warmly welcomed by the great majority in the community. Some of the objects for which art unions have been sanctioned have bordered on the ludicrous, and it is to be feared that in some instances the expenses incidental to management have been out of proportion to the benefit conferred upon the causes in the interests of which the raffles were run. It is an expensive method of raising money. The Prime Minister's declaration has not been made any too soon, as art unions have almost become a craze. It is admitted lliat the proposal laid before Mr Goates on Tuesday had for its object a worthy cause—good roads arc a necessity to every community; but it is to be feared that had Tamaherc's request been favourably entertained, oilier districts would have demanded permits. These could not have been refused, and thus of the making of raffles there would have been no end, and the running of them on a percentage basis would be a lucrative calling, lliu upkeep of which would be a direct levy upon Iho public, while the moral (Tore of the people would be in no wise strengthened. It is lime we got back lo sane finance. The running of raflles is no part of a local body's duty, for we take it that had the Prime Minister seriously entertained ' the scheme the management of the art union would have devolved upon the local body whose funds were to benefit. • The provision of good roads is a serious financial problem, but its solution will not be found in the perpetuation of the raffle habit. We repose more faith in a lax on pclrol.