There are few people, we think, who will not hail with satisfaction the indication afforded by the Acting Prime Minister this week that there will be a reduction of totalisator permits for the next racing season.
It is true that Sir James Allen did not absolutely commit the Government to this step, but it is reasonably to be inferred from what he told a deputation from the Methodist Conference that in the fourth year of the war measures will be taken that will have the effect of curtailing the number of race meetings which are held in this prosperous dominion.
We shall hardly be charged with regarding this matter from a narrow standpoint when we express the opinion that the prevalence of horse-racing to the extent to which we have had it in evidence during the present season while tens of thousands of men from New Zealand are daily exposed to peril and are making great sacrifices for the sake of the Empire, has constituted a distinct blot on the life of the community.
The contrast between the racecourse in New Zealand and the firing line in France is not pleasant to contemplate, but it would be a very good thing if a larger section of our population could be induced to give it more thought.
The inevitable inequality of sacrifice in days like these are emphasised by the selfishness of crowds of people whose investment - either calculated or feverish - of enormous sums of money on the totalisator represents nothing less than a national scandal.
•Three boys were charged before Mr H.A.Young, S.M., in the Juvenile Court yesterday with using insulting language in Frederick street, with intent to provoke a breach of the peace. The Rev. E.A.Axelsen and one of the mothers and one of the fathers were present with the boys, all of whom pleaded ''Guilty'' to the charge.
Sub-inspector Mathieson explained that the conduct of these boys had been very annoying, to say the least of it. They stood outside a butcher's shop, shouting out insulting remarks about ''stinking meat'', and when the shopkeeper remonstrated they ran away and threw stones.
They were just the ordinary type of lads, and nothing much was known against them. Mr Axelsen expressed the opinion that a thrashing would not do them any harm. The cases were adjourned for a week on the understanding that, if the boys were soundly thrashed by their parents in the meantime, nothing further would be done.
•A curious rumour, and as absurd as curious, seems to have obtained circulation that, in consequence of the operation of the Military Service Act and of the demands which are being made, and will be made, under the Act upon the services of students of military age, the University of Otago will be closed this year.
The Chancellor of the University, having been informed of the currency of this rumour, which, if not contradicted, might deter intending students from making the necessary arrangements to attend the University, has requested us to state emphatically that there is no foundation whatever for it.
•Some Ashburton residents who are at present holiday-making in the Nelson district are combining business with pleasure, and spending a portion of their time hop-picking at Motueka. the latter occupation, although not very remunerative to inexperienced pickers is a pleasant means of earning pocket money whilst enjoying the sunny Nelson climate.
- ODT, 1.3.1917
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