COUNTRY RACING

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2821, 12 July 1916, Page 3

COUNTRY RACING

ANNUAL MEETING OF DELEGATES IMPORTANT REMITS The annual meeting of the' New Zealand Country Racing Clubs was held last evening, Air. A. Brucc presiding. The following delegates were presout:— Mr. 1 J. H. Finney (Nelson), T. Butler (Waipawa), 11. A. M'Donald (Horowhenua), fl. Hayr (Avondnle), J.. R. Bnirstow (Carterton), 13. Parsons (Kaikoura), 11. Wilson (Pakuranga llunt Club), A. Bruce (Thames and Opotiki), W. Alison (Taka. puna), R. Wynyard (Ohineiuuri), P. It. 'I'aipoui and B. Ling (Otaki), A. J. Tutton (North Canterbury), 11. J. Evans (Westland). ■ The annual report, which was adopted, stated that nothing of either an urgent or important nature had to be dealt with. Tho most important matter was the proposed increased taxation on account of the war. Tho Government had been interviewed on the subject, and tho result of the executive's labour was to turn tho extra -taxation from clubs on to tho winners 'of dividends on the totalisator. Clubs—especially small clubs —would have felt the increased burden rather seriously, whereas a winner does - not feel the deduction of sixpence from each pound of his .winnings. There was no doubt that the large revenue received from racing people would be the means materially of retaining the totalisator indefinitely, for the reason that the Dominion would require every penny of revenue for many years to come to meet the interest on the Jargo debt incurred through the war. No Finance Minister could for years to come give any heed to the opponents of racing clubs to wipe them out. But clubs must not go to sleep, because the element. that wished to mould everybody on the same pattern—and the pattern to be chosen, by them—was ever awake. The report continued:—"The. great war being the absorbing subject during tho past year, tho executive are confident that the time is not yet ripo for making a further move for the restoration of the days of racing filched from tliu country clubs through the 1910 legislation. In a measure, of course, through our exertions, we retrieved part of the ground, and some of the clubs are noiv back in their old stride, and we are sure are going strong. However, we must continue to fight for our rights, and never rest content until those rights are restored to us, and n further extension of totalisator permits to country people' who are entitled tn a day. or two's racing in the year. It is gratifying to the association to know that during the year the meetings of the rarious clubs have, not only been successful, but exceedingly well conducted. No doubt some will .say that this latter result is the outcome of stipendiary stewards' influence. That is not so. It is the good character and uprightness cf the good sportsmen who are entrusted with the management that accounts for The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of J52 4s. 9d. Last year's officers were all re-elected. Should'the Government issue any morn racing day permits it was resolved that the Kaikonra Club, should be given preference.

Regulating Admission to Courses. Regulations controlling the admission of persona to race meetings held by country clubs on public reserves, were fully discussed. It was panted out jtliat in some cases people cou'il not lie put off tho course and even policemen and stewards of clubs could not lemovc tliem. If certain regulations, as suggested by the president of the Racing Conference, were carried, (he clubs would have all the power they . wanted. On the motion of Mr. E. W. Alison the following resolution was carried"That the regulations for control of racecourses as suggested by the president of the. Now Zealand Racing Conference bo approved." Other Remits Considered. "That this conference cordially approves of the notice of motion given by the president of the New Zealand Racing Conference in reference to making' provision by whicfi the president may give permission for a less sum to be given in 6takca than provided in Rule 2, I'art VI, of the Rules of Racing, where, (1) In the case of a, diminution of days on which the totalisator is used by any club; or (2) where the president lor reasons reported in writing to the conference, shall give permission for a, less sum to !>e given," was a remit carried on the motion of Mr. E. W. Alison. Exception was taken to' the Racing Conference passing a resolution the effect of which it was held would take power away from starters. The proposed resolution is as follows:—"Horses over the age of two years reported as vicious or unruly at the starting post may, on the recommendation of a stipendiary steward, he debarred from starring by the stipendiary steward for such period as he may determine." Opposition was expressed to tho appointment by the Racing Conference of private racecourse detectives, and the following resolution was carried on the motion of Mr. H. Hayr:—'"That this Association enters a strong protest against tho increased charges proposed to be imposed upon, clubs b.v the New Zealand Racing Conference. Further, that a protest be entered against the proposal submitted that a committee be constituted to, appoint permanent racecourse detectives at a high cost, considering that the appointment and control of such matters should remain at the discretion, of clubs."

It was dcc.iikd that, on account of ihe difficulty .in obtaining iiglikweiifht jockeys for country meetings, it is desirable 'that tho minimum 'veight for nil handicap races, outside metropolitan nice meetings, of a inilo and under, should be 7 sloue, and over that distance tho 1915 Rules of Eacing shall apply. In regard to the recommendation of the Stipendiary Stewards' Connnitteo that all licenses bo granted by a Licensing Committee of the Racing Conference, it was resolved: "That, in the opinion of this conference, the issuing of I'll licenses should remain with district' committees as at present;." Strong exception was taken by delegates to the levies-made upon country clubs in connection with stipendiary stewards. After discussion, it was decided: "That the payments of salaries and of charges in connection with stipendiary stewards —amounting last year to <£-1-137 4s. lfld.— is a heavy tax upon clubs, and that the benefits gained to clubs and racing are not commensurate with the expenditure." "That representations be made to the N.Z. Racing Conference re the desirableness of provision being made in the Rules of Racing by which district committees may be authorised to strike a levy upon clubs within cach metropolitan area to meet the actual travelling expenses of country representatives," was a resolution which was carried unanimously.