Poker machines were not likely to be introduced to Canberra, reported The Canberra Times 50 years ago today.
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The then-minister for the interior, Mr Peter Nixon, said there wouldn't be any decision made on poker machines while he was minister.
"I don't believe the people who want them can't be catered for by a short drive over the border," he said.
"There is nothing socially or economically attractive about poker machines."
Past campaigns to introduce poker machines in licensed clubs in the ACT had also proved unsuccessful.
Elsewhere on the front page, a photo of a rowboat was accompanied by the headline "Taking it calmly".
Canberra's first surf boat had been launched on Lake Burley Griffin the previous afternoon, to help members of the Canberra-Mollymook Surf Club train for the Australian surf titles.
"There was no surf but plenty of enthusiasm," read some of the accompanying text.
Midge Hussell and John Johnson, both from Queanbeyan, were joined by Stuart Macdougall, Bob Blacker and Warburton, all from Canberra, as they navigated the torrid seas of our artificial lake.