Country Racing Clubs

Hokitika Guardian, 15 July 1922, Page 1

Country Racing Clubs

j ' WELLINGTON-, July 13. I’ll annual report of the executive, which was formally adopted, stated that the Association’s affairs were in a satisfactory position. Reference was made to tho report of the Racing Commission. Strong opposition was raised by tlie clubs wiped out of existence, and protests had been lodged against the carrying of a Gaming Amendment Bill increasing the days of racing, which, the report stated, meant the adoption of the Racing Commission’s report “with all its unfairness and partiality which amounted to favouritism.” By the action of delegates from the various clubs supported by a majority of country members of Parliament, the report was thrown into the waste-paper basket. It was regrettable that such a course as opposing an increase in the number of days of racing should have keen undertaken, because of the number of new clubs and existing totalisator clubs which were justly entitled to receive totalisator permtis. To swallow the report in toto to meet this want was too much to pay. The opinion was expressed that the country clubs had only to stick together to secure justice which the executive felt was not far distant. In any future endeavour to secure an increase in tlie number of racing days, the Association must set its face in

stern opposition to tlie allocation being left to a Commission. The Racing Conference and Country Club’s Association was quite competent to advise the Minister on the subject. The executive l>clieved that a majority in the House was against redistribution. Most of the clubs affiliated to the Association took tho same view. If all the country clubs were united under one banner, they would practically have all their reasonable desires and aspirations brought into force.