UNDESIRABLES ON THE TURF

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 265, 5 August 1919, Page 5

UNDESIRABLES ON THE TURF

INFLUENCE OP BOOKMAKERS. By Telegraph—Prese AiBool»tlon. Auckland, August 1. "Every effort is still being made by the committee to rid the turf of Hie undesirable element that has in tho past done so much to cause people to look upon racing as an evil," said the Hon. E. Mitclielson in his presidential address at the annual meeting of the Auckland Racing Club, "and still there is much to be done before racing can be looked upon without, suspicion. The main post remaining is the bookmaker. It is somewhat remarkable that hitiiyto the law has failed to bring about this most desirable reform. Betting is still being carried on in a large way in all parts of tlio country, in open defiance of Wis law and much to the detriment of legitimate and fair rncing, for it is an open secret tlmt many owners and the public generally are feeling the evil effects caused through the influence of bookmakers and their friends on some of our trainers and jockeys. Something must bo done if this great and growing cviljs to be remedied. One way of assisting this great reform is by giving effect to the resolutions that, were carried in Wellington by the Racing and Trotting Conferences, namely, to allow double betting on the totalisator lo be resumed. / This in itself will not allogothe.r remedy the evil, although it will go a long way in that direction." In conclusion, Mr. Afitchelson said another great reform necessary was to 'have all trainers' and jockcysi' licenses issued by the conference, and not by Hie district committees, which 110 doubt did their best, but were always open to local influence.