28 APRIL 1923, Page 3

We do not believe that the English are so reverential

to the State that the sole fact which has prevented great numbers of them betting is that to do so is in some cases illegal. As a matter of fact, the vast majority of people who bet will remain hr blissful ignorance whether the State recognizes their hobby or not. To say that if and when- a tax is imposed hundreds of respectable- citizens will suddenly squander all their savings on the Derby, crying " it must be all right since the State recognizes it," is the- merest moonshine.