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Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1924, Page 2

'The Prime Minister hastens slowly in the fulfilment of his promises. This is marked particularly in regard to racing affairs. The promise of extra permits was long delayed, but in the end, the promise materialised. Then the country clubs were promised some relief in taxation, Mr Massey openly realising the position which is very acute in some eases, and it was expected according to one of his latest references to the matter in the House, that the relief would lie found in this year’s Finance Bill. But the measure came down and it was noted particulaiiy that- there was the emission. When an effort was made to hold Mr Massey to his promise lie put the granting of tile wish olf to next session! The delay will be serious for some of the smaller clubs which are carrying on only with the help of

personal guarantees from individual members. The Oaiuniu Club members made no bones about the position lately, and the question of abandonment was only held over to await the expected relief under the legislation promised. Now' that it is not forthcoming the Oamaru Club will be in a seri-

oils position. There arc other Cltihs no less involved. Seeing that tlic Governnient will derive greatly increased revenue from the thirty-one extra days of racing to he permitted, there would not he any strain on the country's finance in granting the request of the indigent cluhs. Jtather will the position he the other way, the Cluhs will further aid the revenue, and the Government will not find it difficult to grant a reasonabel concession. With the session closing it will he. impossible now to secure any relief this session, with the result that thero will he another uncertain and difficult year ahead of many cluhs which have been making a sjiecial effort to do justice to the sport hv catering as lilierally as possihlc for owners with stakes and for the public with conveiiie:es ami general improvements. It. is vert' unfortunate that Mr Massey should fail at this juncture to honor a promise so urgently in need of fulfilment by those concerned.

At the reesnt- conference jn regard to

railway freight matters, Mr ]). Jellic ]>ut up a strong plea for the farmers in tlie matter of special freights governing particularly winter feed. There are difficulties here about growing ample fodder for winter feed, and no doubt under fair freights, the supply could he imported much cheaper and more satisfactorily than if specially grown in the district. The effect of a more liberal supply of feed for winter on the stock would be of great value to the district, increasing the dairying output and assisting greatly in the fattening of stock for the market. The production from the district would increase rapidly, and the lesult seems to justify the fullest appeal being made to the authorities to take this aspect into account when dealing with the matter in all its hearings. If a bedrock hack loading rate could he fixed from suitable centres of supply for winter feed, tile Railway Department as well as the stock owners would in the long run gain the advantage from the concession.