TOTALISATOR PERMITS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18230, 14 November 1924, Page 12

TOTALISATOR PERMITS.

QUESTION OF ALLOCATION.

DECISION EXPECTED NEXT WEEK.

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WELLINGTON, Novenihcr 13

The Gaming Act Amendment- Bill, which was passed by tho I>K9slature in. the recent session, enrpowors the Minister of Internal Affairs, who at present is tho Hon. 11. F. Bollard, to issue 31 extra permits—ninotoen trotting and 12 racing. Tho Minister proposes to take advantage of tho Act to supply the needs of some districts during the present racing season. However, the wliole 31 may not ho allotted forthwith. A decision is expected nest week.

Tho Minister has received nbont 70 applications for permits-^-about 40 for trotting and 30 for racing. _ Ho has given considerable consideration to the question of allocation, but before making a final announcement wll receive the advice of tho New Zealand executives erf the various kcing bodies interested. Theso executives are now preparing any suggestions they will make to Mr Bollard. The Minister's task is not an easy one. There ore districts in possession of more permits than thev are entitled to, and d stricts severely under-sup-plied. There are clubs in financial difficulties, and districts which have become populous of recent years. Ho has applications froon localities which could support a club and» in a sense seem entitled to a permit, but they are within a few miles of established flourishing clubs. Amal igdmations, redistribution, increases and a maae of other considerations rise before one who goes closely into the question, but the 6ole consideration of the present undertaking; is the allotment of tho increases, allowed by tho Act. w . & Wellington may not ho}x> for any more racing days, although it is the worst located of all the cities, but it fully expects a substantial'increase in trotting permits. At present Wellington has one day's trotting a year, and it is understood application has been made to secure six days' trotting for the city. The Wellington Club *s quit© convinced that it will have two days' trotting for its summer mseting next January, and has framed its programme for a two days' meeting.