265
5 discharged.
JON CU
Total of 15.
The Number during the last Quarter
of 1868
AOD
17-
and
during the first
Quarter of the current year 16. The average before the present system of Licensing Gambling houses subject to Police control
and inspection
was
upwards of 80 per Quarter.
I also inclose the latest reports of the Police Inspectors of the Licensed Houses. They are satisfactory, and especially in respect as shewing a great diminution in the number of women frequenting those places.
It had long been a serious subject of consideration with me how far it would be desirable to close the houses in question against all women, and reimburse the Licensees by a corresponding diminution in the fees, which they pay.
From the best information, which I can obtain, the result would probably be a great revival of secret gaming, for the Police have no more redoubtable or skilful antagonists in such matters than the class of women in question. Still I had many serious misgivings as to what might be the most expedient policy.
I am therefore glad that the difficulty is reaching itself by the gradual diminution of the number of female visitors, till they appear now to be...