BOOKMAKERS ON RACECOURSES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2454, 19 March 1909, Page 5

BOOKMAKERS ON RACECOURSES.

REMARKS BY THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE. (Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, March 18. In regard to the allegations of the “Now Zealand Times” that the now Gaming Act aiming at the licensing of bookmakers had had the effect of introducing a dangerous element into the community with which the police are powerless to cope. Dr. Findlay, Minister lor Justice, made an interesting observation to an “Evening News” reporter to-day. The .Minister stated that.some j time ago ho asked the Commissioner of Police to furnish reports upon the condition of matters which from time to time prevailed on our racecourses, m-fytjj eluding what was taking place owing to" the presence of licensed bookmakers, y; ; “So far,” the speaker continued, ii j “these reports have not disclosed any. .M ' condition of things or improprieties on- ’. I the part- of bookmakers which the po- U '(lice have any reason to complain of. J» i J intend to continue the present «>ys— f.* item of police observation upon' book-. ‘™l | makers and their doings, as; Well asTsfi-Lj upon the consequences of their presence ■' \ upon our racecourses, and, should the , );r-j occasion justify it. there will be noF: . ! hesitation on the part of the Governiment- to take, legal steps to prevent or, .‘‘j suppress abuses. 1 have always ex-,>1,(1 pressed to those who are interested iii.fr'i the cleanliness of cur racecourses that-.y Li I should bev glad to receive reliable in- ;>> fcni-.nti-n v.-hk-h will rmsbln it-- in k- -p