THE GAMING COMMISSION

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 2, 1 March 1947, Page 1

THE GAMING COMMISSION

Two years ago, the Royal Licensing Commission was in the early stages of its activity. Long-awaited findings were announced about eighteen months later. We are still unable to obtain the full report of that very lengthy task; though it is expected to be available sometime sooner or later. The setting up of a Royal Commission of Enquiry on the Gaming Laws will probably mean a slightly less protracted period of sittings. Evidently its urgency was not considered great enough to make a beginning at once, as the sittings were adjourned after a short session on February sth, till March 4th. The Commissioners are Mr. Justice Finlay (chairman), Mr. W. H. Freeman, S.M., and Mr. J. W. Heenan, Lnder-Secrctary of Internal Affairs. The Racing Conference, Trotting Conference, Dominion Sportsmen’s Association, and the Associated (hurdles are all to be represented by Counsel. Dr. O. C. Mazcngarb, associated with Mr. J. R. Marshall, will represent the last-named, which includes the Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Congregational, Church of Christ, Salvation Army and the Society of Friends. At the preliminary sitting, Dr. Mazengarb stated that other religious bodies would make separate recommendations not inconsistent with the case he represented. Among the recommendations to be sought for the Gaming public are:

Legislation for Off-the-Course betting; the granting of extra days for racing and trotting. Dr. Mazengarb, in outlining the case for the Churches, said: “We desire to see the existing laws maintained and in some respects enforced. We will re*i»t any attempt to make legal those forms of gambling which are at present illegal.” Further, he stated that his clients wished to point out where the law was not at present being enforced; and to point out how it could he enforced to give effect to the ideals that the legislation had had in mind ov r a long period. Further, lie asked whether the Commissioner jf Police, the Director of Broadcasting and the Director-General of the PosV Office would be summoned before th Commission. He would like an opportunity for hearing fr NO them about matters that “alarm certain members of the public.’ He specified lotteries and the broadcasting of race results. The chairman replied that this would be gone into when the need or justification arose.

During the sitting, when asked by the chairman if anyone of those present wished to address the Commission, Mr. T. Donovan asked if the public would be given a full opportunity later to present matter to the Commission; and was assured that every opportunity would be given. This is, in brief, the programme which will have made its proper beginning before we meet in Dominion Convention. There is no manner of doubt as to the startling revelations which will l>e made. As a \ital matter to the W.C.T.U. everywhere, keen and intelligent notice should be taken of the proceedings as they are made public through the press. There is no excuse for any of our members to be uninformed upon the evils of gambling in its milder, as well as its more virulent forms. We should seek to extend our store of ammunition so that we may enter, the fight against this moral leprosy armed with facts, and cleat as to the reasons for our determined opposition.