N.Z. COUNTRY RACING CLUBS’ ASSN.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 July 1926, Page 1

N.Z. COUNTRY RACING CLUBS’ ASSN.

ANNUAL REPORT. Ihe following report to the Club reprosentotivos of the above Association litis been circulated., The annual meeting of tho Association takes place at ■Wellington next Wednesday evening:— Gentlemen—ln reporting on the work of the Association in the past I am glad to he able to state that as a result of the combined agitation from tile Racing and Trotting organisations, legislation was passed by the Government laffording a certain degree of relief to Clubs in reference to finance. Under the special provision passed authority was given the Minister of Einnnce to refund to Clubs portion of the totalisator duty to be expended for permanent improvements to courses. This was so far so good, but there was a limitation of tho amount, and also no consideration lor Clubs which carried already a substantial debt for improvements piovidetl in adiVince. The sum in itself of £2.50 is inadequate for any verysubstantial improvements, and on Unit score the limit might be increased. Further, where a Club has a debt in-

curred for improvements (tarried out prior to the passing of the Act. sonic amendment might well he suggested to utilise the refund either in tho liquidation of the debt or in assisting to pay interest on the debt in question. The delegates present will he asked to consider motions bearing on this matter. Tho Association in the past has supported the lacooptanee of money by the Clubs for totalisator investments, as also the publication of dividends in the press; as well as being it optional for Clubs to open the double totalisator. These are matters which will he brought f-ornfird again, and it is suggested tho decisions of the meeting should bo communicated to the Government by a deputation following the sitting of the annual meeting. To this end a deputation to tlio Minister of Internal Affairs has been arranged for the morning following the annual meeting. Matters in regard to racing are being well conducted throughout the Dominion, and tho Clubs have all striven to maintain tho standard of the sport. There rtm Tie no complaint in regard to the public patronage nor the support of the owners. It will he helpful for the former if Clubs generally can bring tlieir courses and ap-

pointments up to the fullest; requirements, so that the comfort and convenience of patrons can lie filtered lor to the best advantage. As regards (be owjiers, there are two matters which press unduly, namely the stakes tax ;md the railway transport charges. In respect to tbe former, declining totalisntor receipts are causing a reduction in the stakes offered by many clubs, and the penalty of the ■;direct tax makes furl her iurolids oil li e winning amount. This will eventually cll'eet both owners and Clubs, and indirectly tho Government will lose revenue by depleted fields and reduced traffic. The time is opportune therefore to press for a .further reduction in the stakes tax in tbe interests of ill following tho sport.

As regards railway transport the complete return to free railage on the return journey should he urged. Distant Country 'Clubs arc feeling the effect, for with small stakes and high cost of transport. entries arc being restricted, and tbe result is decreased railway traffic. Now that, the railways are being commercialised it would be in the interests of the business arising from the sport, to put the mr.itIcr beforo the Railway Board for consideration with tbe object ol attracting rather than driving revenue away. It is reasonable at least to ask for some further consideration or concession, and if a trial were given of the proposal no doubt the result would justify the action. Reference has been made to the standard of racing in the Dominion, and Clubs are to be congratulated on tbe loyal mapnor in which they have worked with the Stipendiary officials in the conduct of the meetings. It seems necessary with a falling revenue for many of the Clubs, 'to again draw attention to the expense imposed by the levy for. management, and it is not unreasonable to ask that the annual cost should ho kept as low as practicable. Tho good government of the sport is of the highest consideration, and the matter is mentioned now merely to ('.ill attention to the limited finance of many of the Clubs and the need there is to curtail general expenditure where possible with the object of lightening the financial burden of the smaller Clubs.

It is desired to appreciate what the Minister of lntenV.il Affairs has done regarding the refund to Clubs, and the expedition with which claims sent iu have been put through by the- Departmental Officers. In several cases it is known the financial help was very ‘acceptable indeed, and Clubs generally will he grateful for what was done. It is hoped with the further representations to be made, that the matter will be reopened with a view to considering the question along the lines indicated earlier in this report. It is, further, satisfactory to note that the membership of the Association remains at a figure substantially representative of the Country Clubs, viz: thirty affiliated clubs. Tt is noteworthy however that the Hunt Clubs still remain aloof, but time and a complete recognition of the aims and objects of the Country Clubs Association may ultimately induce. Hunt Clubs to affiliate. The finances of tfie Association are iu a satisfactory condition as will he seen by the income and expenditure account ending 30tli June, to he presented at the annual meeting. AYM. JEWELL. President.