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discretionary power.
5.
As regards the question how to deal with Gamblers, Your Lordship will see that the majority of the Committee are strongly in favour of suppressing public Gaming Houses with the utmost rigueur. Attorney General (Mr. O'Mally) however, takes a totally different view, and he has recorded his dissent. I am informed that there is a great deal of Gambling carried on in private Chinese clubs frequented by the better classes. These are not interfered with at present. It seems unfair that these places, where large sums are staked, should be left alone, whilst small gambling dens, where the players are poor people able to risk only a dollar or two, should be rigorously prosecuted. The only argument in favour of the existing state of things is that the habitués of the Clubs are able to take care of themselves, and that the play is no doubt fair, whilst in the smaller classes...