RACING PERMITS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1923, Page 3

RACING PERMITS.

f»Y TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, dune l»8.

An indication that the Government will bring in legislation this session to deal with the allocation of racing permits and to make some increase in the number was given by the Hon Dov.ibe Stewart, the ox-Ministcr of Internal Affairs, and the 1 Toil R. I' 1 . Hollard, the present Minister, to a deputation of the Wnverier Racing Club, which interviewed those Ministers to-day with a request for an extra permit. The .Ministerial reply was that if the House accepts the proposals the Waverlov Club would receive another permit in addition to the one it now holds.

Mr Massey to-day had a request front a deputation from the Auckland provincial one-day racing (lulls for an in- <• reused number of racing days, and a reduction of the totalisator tax.

Mr Massey replied, regarding the request for additional permits, that all being well there would bo an amendment of the Act. but what Parliament would do he could not say. lie thought 1 1 in t among country members in (be House there was a feeling that country clubs, in justice, should have an increase.

In the number of permits granted, an endeavour would he made to avoid trouble over the Rill, and he thought the Dower House would he inclined to do something reasonable for remit rv clubs without permits. Where clubs alrtailv had one day the question oi an increase was a matter for serious consideration. He asked clubs to be as moderate in their requests ns possible, be- * niino while the sporting element was fairly well represented in the House oi Representatives ho was not so sure about the Legislative Council. Fir wanted to do something to ease Ibe financial position of smaller clubs, mm he was in honour bound to do something to niodily the stakes tax nl |o per cent, because it was offered as a eontributiiin when the Government wanted money, and it was accepted for two years. There was a clause in the Rill regarding this, but it was not wise to depend on that, as certain modifications were required.

The opinion had been conveyed to him that the dividend tax played into the hands of protossionai bookmakcis, but he was not sure that t hev wore gi ing to interfere with that, lie would b,, o I;,d to consult tin 1 Minister of Internal Affairs, with The object of helping the country clubs in financial diflii nlties.