TITTI LAWS AGAINST GAMBLING.
[To TIER EDITOR Or THE "SPECTATOR."] Sin,—May I supplement in one direction your interesting article on the laws against gambling? The present law is in a chaotic state of confusion, and it is difficult to get people to obey laws which even experts do not understand. A reference to the official index to the Statutes shows that there are more than twenty different enactments on the subject of gambling. They begin with an Act of Henry VIII. and end with an Act of Edward VII. There are a very large number of judicial decisions endeavouring to interpret these various and incon- gruous attempts of the Legislature. Anyone who wishes to earn a severe headache can do so by reading the decisions with a view to reconciling them or deducing an intelligible principle therefrom. If the Anti-Gambling League desires to make itself useful, instead of merely making a noise, it will prepare a careful Consolidation BilL When the existing law has been stated in an intelligible form, and in a single document, it would be comparatively easy to secure some rational amend- ments. A Consolidation Bill serves two useful purposes. In the first place it formulates the existing law in a shape in which people can understand it, and, secondly, it rubs the nose of the Legislature in its past shortcomings and absurdities.— I am, Sir, &c., M. D. C.
[We agree that a Consolidation Bill is urgently needed, but surely it is the business of the Home Office to produce such a Bill, rather than that of the Anti-Gambling League. Why leave to an unofficial body what is the duty of a public Depart- ment. A public Department may no doubt leave the initiation of new proposals to outsiders. The better enforcement of the existing law, through a clearer statement of its nature, is surely a matter for the Executive. We cannot agree that the Anti-Gambling League can be fairly accused of " merely making a noise." It has done, and is doing, excellent work, and with the minimum of fuss and talk.—En. Spectator.]
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