MINISTER AND RACING CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1925, Page 4

MINISTER AND RACING CONFERENCE

fn referenco to the one day tctalis.'ilor meetings for lhe Tannin run ui and Wnipa Racing (Tubs, ihe following telegram was sent to the set rcierics of those dubs by Sir George Clifford, president of the Racing Conference ; “You are doubtless aware that to l hold a race meeting under an allutI incut by the Minister of Internal i Affairs and willunii Ibe approval cl j the Racing Conference or its repnI sontative would be contrary to the rules of racing, and would subject j your club to sutdi penalty as the Conference might elect to inflict. I have already protested as strongly as pa.— sible against the • independent autocratic action of the Alinister in taking action over-riding l!:e laws and customs regulating the sport of racing. If your chib should desire it I will nevertheless, and under protest, give a formal approval of this license. This I would do only for the following reasons : Firstly, the illness of ihe Prime Alinister, which so gravely concerns the country, the Cabinet, and ourselves, deprives us of our natural appeal from an usurpation of Ministerial authority. * Secondly, the Racing Conference is itself nearing the end of its authority. its successor being now in process of election.

Thirdly, it is titling that ibis grave question of the government of the turf should be dealt with dispassionately by the new Conference, which will meet in July.”