Country Macing Clubs

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1922, Page 1

Country Macing Clubs

annual conference

[by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION]

WELLINGTON, July 12

TLo annual conference of the Country Racing Clubs’ Association was held this evening. In the absence of Mr Albert Bruce, of Thames, Mr D. J. Evans, of Westland, presided. The annual report was adopted.

It was decided that this conference views with alarm and concern the burden of taxation now placed on sport and recognises the serious effect it- is having on the stakes and appointments hv the country clubs, and that, in view of the situation now developing, the Government be urged to review the incidence of racing taxation as early as possible, with thu object of affording relief to many clubs which are struggling to .meet their obligations, at the same time endeavouring to maintain the standard of racing for the betterment of the turf, where people enjoy their popular pastime in the national and well regulated way. It was also decided that the Government lie urged to take into favourable consideration that portion of the reporl of the late Racing Commission, which recommended an increase ill totalisatoipermits to new clubs, and to existing clubs in a situation which justifies such increase.

It was further resolved: —“That upon such permits being authorised, the Minister of Internal Affairs be empowered to allocate the same, after consultation with the racing and trotting authorities. It was decided to direct the attention of the Government to the heavy impost upon owners by the stakes tax, and to urge a reduction .rom ten per cent to 2! per cent. The hope was expressed, in a resolution, that, in the interests of the future of the sport. Parliament would not entertain, the petition for the- licensing of bookmakers, it being believed "such a course would prove detrimental to the standard of the sport now being attained in the Dominion. It was resolved : —“That, if it is desired to extend privileges to tile public for investing on outside meetings, it be suggested to the Government to permit investments on the totalisatcirs to be sent through the. I*. and T . office to the secretaries of racing clubs. It- was resolved that the publication of dividends be legalised. The following officers were elected: President, Mr A. Bruce (Thames) ; vice President. Mr 1). J. Evans (Westland); Executive: Hon E. TV. Alison (Auckland), Mr J. F. Finney (Nelson), Mr J. Kennedy (Geraldine), and Air W. Jewell (Foxton). '