RACING PERMITS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1920, Page 2

RACING PERMITS

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Juno 28.

implying to a deputation from the liorowhenua Racing Club, which appealed for the retoration ol' its lost day of racing, the Minister of Internal Affairs said the task lie had to perform was a difficult one. If he, as Minister, were to say that the Club would have its extra day he would have to say the same to some thirty more clubs in the country who were applying for similar concessions. Was it in the interests of racing generally that there should he such a big increase in the number of days? Would the members of the deputation, as racing men, ask him to do anything of the sort ? Voices: “No!”

,Mr Anderson :“I agree with you that it would lie one of the worst tilings that could be done ill the interests of racing that these extra days should be granted to an unrestricted number.” Ho added that lie could not tell what would be done during' the session. It seemed to him that all that would be possible would he a redistribution of days. • Mr Field, M.P. asked: “If there is to be a redistribution merely, will that be left to the Racing Conference? Mr Anderson: I can’t tell you that to-day. That is all jn the lap of the Gods. If I may dissociate myself from my position as Minister and give my own personal opinion, it seems to me there are a lot of things- to be considered. The amount of gambling going on 's very great and very serious, and you must take that into consideration from niy own point of view, and not speaking for the moment as a Minister, I am satisfied that it would he one of the worst things that Racing Clubs can do to ask for or to press for, an increase in the number of racing permits above what they now have. That is only my ow-n individual opinion, given lor what it is worth.