CLUB

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2551, 12 July 1909, Page 2

CLUB

REPRESENTATIONS TO THE ACTING-PREMIER. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 10. The possibility or a charter being applied tor for a proposed Tattensall’s Club in Wellington formed the subject of representations to the Acting-Pre-mier (the Hon. J. Carroll) last evening by a large deputation of clergymen and laymen interested in t-lie anti-gam-bling movement. The. -deputation took a particularly interesting turn, when the formal speeches were over, the Ac-ting-Prime Minister taking a hand in brisk exchange of opinion upon the methods of bookmakers and their legal rights. Mr J. G. AV. Aitkcn, who introduced the deputation, said it Avas influential, and could have been much larger had it been considered necessary. It had been credibly reported that a Tattersail’s Club Avas to. be formed in AVellington, and that it would ask for a charter, a request to which the deputation Avas thoroughly opposed. The Rev. J. Dawson referred to the prospect of a charter affecting the Licensing Act, and stated that when the present Government came into power new charters wore granted to- clubs at Gisborne, Hastings, and Feilding, and hose who opposed the movement were •definitely and official]}' assured by Dr dhull ay that no more charters would be granted. If a charter was given, it was tantamount *to granting an additional license in the town, though the A'oting in AVellington City showed a 2000 majority against continuance of the present licenses. The Rev. J. J. North suggested that if a Tattersall’s Club Avas established in Wellington, this would mean a defeat of the "Government legislation of 1907. This measure had been successful in closing, it was believed, OA'er.v book-, making office in the city, Avhich was a substantial gain, but if the proposed club was formed, instead of twenty or thirty small offices, there Ai-ould 'probably be that one big bookmaking establishment. AVas it not Avithin the range of probability that people might congregate there for betting purposes? That gambling went on in clubs was a notorious fact, and he suggested that under the circumstances it-would be a kind thing in the interest of the promoters themselves if they were referred to the quarantine section of the Gaming Act. The Hon. Jas. Carroll informed the deputation that there had been no application for a charter, and if one a as made he would assure his hearers that the Government would not alter its previous decision with regard to si oh charters. AYith regard to the other aspect, whether in the event nf any section of the community forming themselves int-d a club or hiring premises for their own recreation they could he interfered Avith, he could not see lioav this was to be done, unless they put themselves into a position which came within the luav. The Government did not know AA'liat the. rules might be; they might he very strict and might make an effort to prevent anything like gambling, so that the club miglrfc be only, for their own social amusement, but if there was anything to show that the club was for gambling purposes, the proposals of the deputation would receive every consideration, but at present he did not think they could prejudice the matter. The ‘ Rev. J. J. North interjected that it Avas the promoters’ own statement that the club would make a convenient centre for settling up betting engagements. If that Avas so, it would be”a place for making fresh engage-. inents. Mr James Moore: A sort of clearing house. The Prime Minister: They are allowed to hot on the course, and their payments might be deferred to a particular time. They might fix this' place, for instance. The Rev. A. Dewdney: Did not Sir Joseph AVard emphasise the intention of the Government to confine gaming, so far as it lies in the Government’s power, strictly to the racecourse? The acting-Prime. Minister: That is so. Mr Dewdney: Then this opens the way for all sorts of other betting, wliethor payment for a bet is a bet? The Prime Minister: That is the point. If there is any evidence that there is a peril or a danger of gambling being carried on under the form of a club, it could be looked into. Mr Moore : In Sydney these clubs have been closed. The Prime Minister: They are very large institutions in Sydney and Melbourne, and it is pleaded on behalf of Tattersall’s Club that they help to create a higher order of the fraternity (the members of the deputation smiled broadly)—and I believe are differences among them. Dr Gibb: They are all black unde:* the skin. The Prime Minister suggested tli.r; such a club avoulc! bring together the more circumspect of the order, Avho rt* cognised their status and tried to elevate themselves to a standard which might make themselves acceptable tfl the public and in the eyes of the community. The Rev. James Fee: Put themselves in a position to better evade the vigilance of the police. (Laughter.) The Prime Minister: You can have no apprehension; the Government are not likely to change their attitude on. that. Dr Gibb: But you know, sir, “that for Avays that ard dark and tricks that are vain” they are as slippery as John Chinaman himself. AVe need to he very much alive. The Prime Minister : Even supposing they were, I don’t suppose they could escape the vigilance of those who keep their eye on them.