STATE LOTTERY.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18350, 9 June 1931, Page 3

STATE LOTTERY.

FARMERS REJECT A REMIT. SHARP DIFFERENCES OF OPINION. “GAMBLING UNDER THE GROUND.” “That the Government be urged to Institute a State lottery, preferably by way of premium bonds,” was a remit which was defeated by a narrow margin after considerable discusison at the Farmers’ Union conference it Inglewood. In moving the remit Mr W. Maloney said that it would be recognised that the State was in great need of money. Already considerable sums were being expended on art unions, and as well thousands of pounds were being sent to Australia. Admittedly it was gambling, but there was legislation permitting certain forms of gambling; whilst even the churches, which were opposed to gambling, held euchre parties in aid of their funds. He considered that lotteries coitrolled by the Government would be preferable, *s. the State would derive the.benefit. Far Better Controlled. Gambling could never be entirely suppressed, said Mr B. Richmond (Midhirst), in, seconding the remit, so that it would be far better controlled. About £500,000 was going lo Australia each year, whilst bookmakers, who were supposed to be non-existent, were flourishing more than ever. A delegate favoured asking for a referendum on the question at the next election rather than appear to he dictating to the rest of the community. Mr Benoni White heartily supported the remit. Life Itself was a gamble, he said. The president (Mr H. E. Blyde) spoke strongly against the proposal. Ho did not think the Farmers’ Union should lower Its dignity to such an extent as to support raising funds by gambling, he said. Such a proposal would only lead to Increased gambling and would not encourage thrift. “Got rich quick” schemes would not hedp to make the country progress. : To' gain prosperity they must direct the' money Into channels that would establish industries. * . Mr Richmond: Would you prefer gambling to go on openly or underhand, as at present? Would Bo Far Worse. Mr Blyde said that conditions would be far worse If gambling were encouraged. In reply Mr Maloney said the Government was already getting revenue from the totalisator, and to be consistent the president should advocate its abolition. At present raffles were being encouraged in which the children were buying tickets In the street, so they might as well have the whole matter under Government control.

On a show of hands the remit was lost by J 7 votes to 15. A remit, “That a referendum be taken at the next general election regarding a State lottery being instituted with, a view to relieving hospital and charitable aid rates," was withdrawn.