$20.00 CAD
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It seems this organization was not all that it seemed to be. Research has shown that the monies were used to place bets on horse races in England. Text on back states established in 1840, and had paid out over $8M to date. Profits to be paid to associations related to Veterans.
Receipt for $1 membership fee and has unique number associated with it.
'Person...entitled to all privileges as such during period ending: 30th September 1935'.
7 x 12.50 cm
The Army And Navy Veterans in Canada, Quebec Unit 33 was selling "memberships" to its "Charity Subscription Fund". The organization claimed that the money raised was given to veteran charities, pension services, and organizations. For a $1.00 membership fee, a member was eligible to win a cash prize whose distribution was based on the outcome of a horse race.
The membership for the 24th charity subscription fund, for example, was linked to the June 6, 1934, Epsom Derby won by Windsor Lad.
According to the membership sold here, Unit 33 had raised over eight million dollars in cash to date. The membership scheme of course was designed to circumvent the law against lottery tickets.
It was an indictable offence under the Criminal Code to make, sell or procure lottery tickets, or to mail any articles concerning lottery tickets. The Postmaster General was given the power to make regulations deeming what would be and would not be deemed mailable matter with respect to lotteries. Letters, circulars or other articles that dealt with illegal lotteries was deemed to be non-mailable matter and returned to the sender.
The post office appears to have been satisfied that correspondence to Quebec Unit 33 related to illegal lotteries and went so far as to prohibit the organization from receiving mail.
http://postalhistorycorner.blogspot.com/2011/09/prohibited-mail-cover-below-was-mailed.html
