RACING PERMITS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1504, 29 July 1912, Page 6

RACING PERMITS.

* ONLY REDISTRIBUTION WANTED. An open Idler to the Prime Minrstci (Ilie Hon. W. V. Masscy) on the snbjocl of racing permits, signed by Mr. J. G. W Aitkon and tlte lier. J. J. North, wa: published in Tun Dominmos on Saturday 'Plio letter was referred to by Mr. D. J Guthrie, nienilier for Oroua, in convcrsa lion with a representative of tin's papci on Saturday. "I was astonished at the tone nf tin open-letter," said Mr. Guthrie. "For mi own part I am convinced that thci'i anient i»al has led these gentlemen ti misconceive the position. In commoi with other advocates of fair play ti country clubs, I demand only a redistribu lion of Ihe existing permits for 250 rncinj days in the year. So far as I know, thi: is the position taken up by country club: themselves. With those who share, 1113 views, I am against the conlraJisatioi of racing, believing t.lint it is against tin interests of true and genuine sport Further, we see no reason why the sup porters of country clubs should bo deniei even ono day's racing in order to provid big stakes in the larger centres of popula lion, Hie undoubted effect of which wil Ire to'- establish an undesirable monopoli in this branch of sport. As far as I knov tho mind of the Government on thi question, there is no desire or mtcntioi lo increaso the number of racing day permitted under the existing lnw. Botl tho Prime Minister and the Minister fo Internal Affairs stated that the Govern merit had no intention of bringing dowi racing legislation this session, and Hint i private members' Bill would be given ; fair chance if it were found to 1» fai and reasonable. As I have had 'th honour to introduce two deputations fron country clubs," concluded the member fo Oroua, "I felt it incumbent upon mo t rum ore the wrong impression likelr to b created by tho letter above referred to, 1 THE PROMISED BILL. It is considered probable that the pre mised private Bill may be introduced b Mr. G. Hunter, member for Waipawi As the Bill will mako provision only fo redistribution of existing permits, air will not seek to increaso tho number o racing days, somo of those who champio: the claims of the country clubs are hope ful that tho mcasuro may escape th antagonism of the anti-gambling .sectio in tho House. It is admitted, liowevei that tho passage of the Bill will bo 01. slructcd by many difficulties.