CURTAILMENT OF ROTO.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 August 1917, Page 4

CURTAILMENT OF ROTO.

OPPOSITION TO PROPOSAL

AUCKLAND SPORTSMEN’S

VIEWS

The cuitailment of racing formed the subject, of strong comment at the J annual meeoting of the Auckland Racing Club on Monday. The Hon .E. Mitclielson said a considerable section of the public regarded the curtailment from a sentimental point of view. He bad given the matter deep thought during the last two years, and bad arrived at the conclusion' that sentiment of that kind would not win the war, nor would it have any material effect on the, great conflict. If he conld be assured that the curtailment, or even stopping, of racing would help to win, or shorten the war, lie would he one of the strongest advocates for suppression Nothing but hard lighting, plenty of men, and plenty of money to back them up, would win the war, and from a financial point of view’he was convinced the Government had made a great mistake in insisting upon a reduction in racing, and it was bound to seriously affect the Treasury. Mr C. E. Ma jor, referring to the reduction of racing, expressed the opinion that iii certain section of the public, who knew little or nothing of racing, were endeavouring to take advantage of the opportunity 1 to kill tho sport. They considered the sport si.nfirl, and their object was to repress, and eventually suppress, racing and other forms of sport. It was the duty of racing men to defend the sport. Mr E. W. Alison, sen.,, supported the views of Mr Mitclielson. The war would not be won, or conditions bettered, by people adopting an air of despondency, but by keeping brave hearts and a determined front. Racing, he said, afforded many people suitable and necessary relaxation, and attacks on it should be vigorously resisted.