FURTHER EVIDENCE HEARD BY GAMING COMMISSION

Chronicle (Levin), 13 May 1947, Page 7

FURTHER EVIDENCE HEARD BY GAMING COMMISSION

— Press Association

By Telegranh-

CHRISTCHURCH, May 12. That the licensing of bookmakers was not in the best interests of the sport of trotting or of the public, is tln: opinion of the New Zealand Trotting Owners', Trainers' and Breeders' As sociation. A niember of tlie committee of thc association, Mr. Fredericlc Ernes. Sutton, gave evidence to the Royal Conimission on Gaming and Racing to day and said his organisation considered that the totalisator was a simple, expeditious and -closely supervised system of eourse betting free from any real risk of eorruption. , Reasonable facilities for olf-course betting were favoured by the association. It preferred personal attendanee at a racecourse but appreeiated that circumstances might prevent attendanee and did not think there was suiheient reason for dcpriving a citizen of bet- j ting. The introduction of a doubles totalisator was also favoured by the organisation. Such q totalisator gave a speculator with small means the opportunity of a great reward. It often meant a greatei thrill at less cost Mr. Sutton said he was in favour of the publication of dividends and provision being made for bets to be placed on the eourse for races to be run later in the day. The growth of interest in trotting seemed to warrant the request for a new permit or an increase of the existing permits. Hh said the transfer of permits, even if practicable, was probably no solution. The possibilities of a return of the National and Carnival weeks of racing were discussed., It'was suggested that it would be sounder economically to revert to that system, rather than spread the meetings over several weeks. Douglas Endell Wanklyn, a membei of the Canterburv Joekev Cluh Committee, told Mr. justice Finlay that he favoured mid-week racing. It was difficult for jockevs, trainers and others to arrange for three-day meetings as held now. He thought many. employers would favour a return to . the carnival idea, as national "weeks" as run now were a continuing distraction.