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Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1927, Page 2

Muon language and a great deal of ink has keen used up in regard to the totalisntor permit for use in the Waikato district on Labour Day. With

tlir hacking of the Minister the Hunt Club has won, Hie so-called “compromise’’ being a. definite reverse for the constituted authority under which racing is conducted. While the Racing Conference had certain rights in tno matter, if would appear that the District Racing Committee at Auckland precipitated matters by flatly refusing to pass the Hunt Club programme. This so incensed the Minister that ho indicated till the District Racing Committee came to its senses, (it appeal's the District Committee refused to hoar the Hunt Club), he would with-hold all totalisator permits for the Auckland District. Both panties were therefore at grips, but the Minister was the stronger party, and held the key to- the situation. Besides, it was clear lie had the majority in Parliament behind him. At the same time wore a division to talee place in the House, the Government- would find that many ef their -supporters were against them. But good -sense at least prevailed, a,lid what should have happened at the outset next took place, a. conference. So far as the particular permit is concerned the matter may ho considered ended, hut what of other permits? Who is to rule in iheso matters, the Minister nr the Racing Conference ? There is much disputing every year about, dates, mid if the control is to he taken out of the hands of the Conference, chars will prevail. There must he some settled authority, and it certainly should not he a political authority Racing is a sport common to all. and wo do not need it to Ik' mixed no with polities. Tf it were, so mixed, then' will he trouble every year, for | many North Island Clubs have east their eyes on holiday dates, and if I politics come into the issue there, will |he a. scramble year after year. We hope, when Mr Bollard is well enough again to make a statement on the subject in the House, he will define exactly what policy is intended for the future. Certainly as far a,s Waikato is concerned, the principle of trading and holding is confirmed and established, and if that were set. down ns the rule, then the. work of the Conference will be definite and clear for the tiitiiro in. a.l! cases where overlapping or aflemptied jumping of dales is likely to occur.