GAMING COMMISSION SITS AT DUNEDIN

Chronicle (Levin), 20 May 1947, Page 2

GAMING COMMISSION SITS AT DUNEDIN

DUNEDIN, May 19. The Forbury Park Trotting Clut applied for two extra permits when the Royal Gommission on Gaming opened its Dunedin session today. Applications for permits were also made by small clubs in country districts in the province. JBlunt allegations by a disqualified trainer that racing administration in New Zealand was "rotten" and that the sport was' "corrupt in other aspects," provided the only bright feature of the lirst morning's sitting. The witness was Cec.il Arnold Crosby, a farmer, of Glenomaru, who claimed training experience iu Australia, ireland and New Zealand over a period oi 30 years. "I have never found racing at any time honest and fair and the administration of the galloping game is rotten In every way," said Crosby. " Half the.horses in New Zealand are trained in the back of bookies' oflBces and in billiard rooms, " he said. "The Igame is corrupt. There are offers put in your way at times by bookmakers that are hard to refuse, "About the worst in the world is the Dominion joclcey," he said. "He sit.; his horse like a sack' of fihaff and e burst of wind would blow him olf There will never- be anyv-good joekey» until a school is opened. The old time bookmaker took more risks than the present operator, who is just a blud ger, " added the witness. ^ Gross-examined by Mr. E. D: Blundell, counsel for the- Racing Confor ence,. Crosby admitted that he had been disqualilied 'as a trainer for life after conviction on a charge of being in possession of a stolen horse.