CURTAILMENT OF RACING.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1917, Page 3

CURTAILMENT OF RACING.

Cabinet’s Bequest Wellington, May 26 Hon G. W. Russell has mads ih( following statement to the press : The question of racing permits haf bean oarefnlly considered by Cabinel which has resolved that a substantia curtailment of racing is necessary ir the imerests of the oorn'ry. Accordingly a letter b-s been despatched to Sir Gacige Ol'ff-.'rd,-Presi-dent-of the Racing Conference, Mr John Rowe, President of the Trotting Conference, and Mr E C. Bruce, President of the Country Racing Club’s Association, stating the decision of Government, and re. questing them to submit to Government alternative proposals for the redaction of racing permits issued during the present year, by one third and one half, their attention being directed to the fact that as a number of dabs may requirß to discontinue racing during the war, in oonssqaeuca of the reduction, it is dosirable that the Confetenoes interested should consider this aspect of the matter and suggeet financial proposals affecting Clubs, which may cease racin g. Farmers' Union Auckland, May 22 Tha Farmers’ Union Proviuoial Conference resumed to-day. The question of the position of aliens in th 9 Dominion and the possibility of making use of their aervioes for war work was discussed. It was stated that there 16,000 aliens in the province whose services could be utilised. One speaker said that be had been informed that Austrians would not accept contracts unless able to earn £1 a day. It 7?as resolved tint all enemy aliens should be conscripted forthwith for labor purposes. A remit'that the Government should be urged to restriot the importation of luxuries, especially from foreign countries, was lost. The question of excess v&r profits taxation was discussed, a committee being set up to draft a resolution. The conference passed a resolution urging the necessity for steps to meet the shortage of shipping regarding meat and dairy produce.

The conference resolved that any essential worker liable to be called up during the next twelve months should have the right to go bsfore a military board and have hia position made clear. Tbo conference previously rejected a remit that before the Second Division was called up the First Division should be increased by the inclusion of men up to fifty years of age, and also rejected a remic th t the whole of the First and Second Division ballots should be drawn at once, so that farmers would know tbe exact date wheD they would have to go into camp some months oheid, likewise that the position of farmers shcul.l be defined as to whether they will be required for service, or if they can remain ou their farms.

SUPREME COURT. Timaru Sittings. Timaru, May 25 At the Supreme Court to-day an ex-taxi owner named J, P. Pelvin, was fined £25 for perjury in denying ownership to avoid a claim for dam* age?. A discharged soldier was sentenced to three year's reformative iraatmtni for a criminal assault on a boy. A Maori, charged with oriminal assault on a native girl at Arrowheuna, was acquitted.

Claim for Damages. Wellington, May 25 In tbe Supreme Court to-day Amelia Hay ward . claimed from tbe Union Steamship Company the aum of £2OOO damage?, Plaintiff is the widow of a waterside worker who was employed aa a cranedriver oa tha Manuka. While the vessel was being unloaded he stepped on to a hatch whioh collapsed, precipitating deceased to the bottom of the ship and killing him. Plaintiff alleged that the company failed to observe a proper system, which the company denied, and asserted that if there waß negligence in tbe matter it was the negligence of the fellow servants of ths deceased. Tha company admitted liability for £SOO and paid that sum into court; The company claimed the damage payable was limited to that sum. The Jury returned a verdict for plaintiff for £1250 damages. Judgment has nob yet been entered pending consideration of the law points raised.