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I : ; : 1 "BEAT NEW JERSEY TO IT Senator John J. Dunnigan Points Out Neighboring State Is Pressing Pari-Mutuel Bill. ALBANY, N. Y., April 29. Senator John J. Dunnigan, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention from Bronx County, made the following statement today on his proposal to amend the constitution to permit pari-mutuel betting at race tracks: "I shall introduce a proposal to amend the State constitution to permit pari-mutuel betting at horse race tracks. I have sponsored a similar resolution in the State Senate for many years and whole-heartedly believe it to be one of the best proposals that will be before this convention. "At the recent session of the legislature, which adjourned March 18 last, my resolu- tion for pari-mutuel machines was passed by both Houses. If the convention fails to act on my proposal, that joint legislative resolution will be before the legislature of 1939. Action by the convention, however, will save one years time in placing the proposition before the people of this state on a referendum. "It is highly important that the convention act on my proposal during its present session and save that year in submitting it to the people, as the State legislature of New Jersey now has a similar measure before it for the second time and, if passed at this session and ratified by the people of New Jersey this fall, our neighboring state will have pari-mutuels in operation at least a year ahead of us. "At the present time New York receives only a tax on admissions and a small license fee from race tracks. With bookmakers handling all betting at New York tracks, the state is losing these millions of dollars each year, which we so badly need to keep out budget balanced. Also, there is no accountability under the. present system. The greatest objection against pari-mutuels in this state has, in the past, come from the bookmakers and professional gamblers, who represent the smallest group associated or connected with or interested in racing. "It is time that those who enjoy horse racing and who number millions in this state, are given some consideration. With the establishment of the pari-mutuel form of betting much would be accomplished in doing away with the evils of pool rooms and hankbooks." ! !
