RACING PERMITS.

Evening Star, Issue 14932, 19 July 1912, Page 6

RACING PERMITS.

THE GOVERNMENT'S ATTITUDE. POSSIBLE RESTORATION. [Special to the Stab.] WI'XIJNGTON, July 19, An important development of the total!safer question occurred at a deputation of thf Ashhurst Racing Club to the Prime Minister and Hon H D. Bell, Minister of t Internal Affairs. Ashhurst applied for a renewal of their permit, because it was formerly the premier one-day club, and had lost its permit. Hon. Mr Bell replied that hie decision had been finally given. Rangitikei had obtained a two-days' permit because Mr Jennings's Bill, introduced by the country clubs, contained a specific clause to that effect. He had don© his beat, but it was impossible to do justice to the position all round, and it would have to be reviewed next year. » Mr* Guthrie, member for Oroua, stated that the country cluba intended introducing through a private member a Bill providing for the reissue of permits to those country clubs which lost their rights as a result of the Racing Commission's work. He (specifically asked the Prime Minister if such a Bill would have the eupport of the Government, or if the forms of tho Houso would be used to prevent ite passage. Both Ministers replied that they would require to sea the Bill before promising, but they definitely undertook that no opposition would be offered to the passage of a measure if it were framed on reasonable lines. Mr Massey stated that while the Government had no intention whatever to encourage gambling, no obstacles would bo placed in the way of genuine sport.