1 MAY 1926, Page 2

In our judgment he has brought forward the best pos-

sible one. Betting is the most glaring of all our national luxuries. Nobody need bet who does not want to. As for the. question of recognition, betting is, of course, already recognised up to the hilt ; apart from what the Treasury collects out of the industry the co-operation of the Post Office and the Police is evident at every turn of its operations. Nevertheless, there is sure to be a con- siderable fight over the betting tax. Many bookmakers are alarmed and angry and the Churches are planning deputations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to implore him to desist. It seems to us that if the book- makers are genuinely alarmed the moralists might well find that to be a reason for calming their fears.