N.Z. COUNTRY RACING CLUB’S ASSN.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 January 1929, Page 3

N.Z. COUNTRY RACING CLUB’S ASSN.

A meeting of the Executive Committee of the above Association was held at the Grand Hotel, Wellington, on the 23rd. lust, at 8 p.m. There were present: Mr D. J. Evans (Westland) in the chair; Messrs Hamilton and Fairy (Nelson), Spencer (Beefton), Mnciar.la lie and James (Wa-verley), Louisson (Napier Park) and U. Shannon, Secretary. >A quantity of correspondence was received from, various Clubs in both Islands, setting out their financial position, and pointing out the urgent necessity for relief. 'The correspondence was discussed in conjunction , with the general position at some length. The meeting was unanimous that relief was imperative to save several of the Country Club’s from extinction. The following resolutions were adopted by the meeting after discussion: That an increased rebate be granted to the smaller Clubs based on a turnover not exceeding on an average £lO,000 pef day. That as members’ subscriptions arc levied mainly to assure the stability lithe Clubs and provide funds for general nianagemnt, amusement tax on such income be repealed. That to prevent irregular diversion of money for investment at race meetings, facilities to telegraph investments lor tile tota lisa tor to Clubs be granted. That for general information, publication of dividends by newspapers or other means of publicity be permitted. That with a view to encouraging owners to visit the more remote Clubs from the metropolitan centres, free transport on horses attending country meetings on the return journey lie granted. That to lessen the competing costs to owners at small meetings the stakes tax on sums less than 100 sovs., won in any event lie reduced to 2;j per cent. That the New Zealand Racing Conference he approached in respect to the following matters with a view to assisting the struggling country clubs to tide over a very difficult period in their existence. • (a) That appreciation be expressed of 1 the consideration extended in the past by the President and Executive Committee regarding the relaxation of the Rules of Racing in special cases, and that the Conference lie asked to modify generally or suspend the more stringent Rules under Part VI. governing race meetings, witli a view to Clubs having a freer hand in the preparation of programmes to meet local needs. (b) Thai to assist Country Clubs the Con*.-re nee be asked to consider reduction in the costs ot management, particularly in respect to Stipendiary Stewards and Race Course inspectors, and to authorise special concessions where untoward circumstances may warrant such. (c) That in any revision of the Rules of Racing special consideration he given to the general effect on Country Clubs, and where considered necessary Rules be- made permissive at least for the time being till the smaller clubs are on a more financial looting. Conformable with arrangements made the Executive met the Hon. Minister of internal Affairs at Parliamentary Buildings at 10 a.m. on the 2oth. inst. the same members being present, with (the exception of Mr Louisson who had been called out ol town. Messrs Evans and Hamilton who had been deputed to speak, addressed tli. Hon Minister at some length in regard to the resolutions carried affecting financial relief to Country Clubs. Mr Spencer in the dual position of an owner as well as a Club representative, endorsed the remarks of the speakers. The Hon de la Perelle gave the deputation a very cordial reception. In the course of his reply he spoke of the interest he had in the Country Clubs, knowing something of their difficulties from the inside. Personally he recognised the position as it affected the Clubs there represented, and the requests made would he gone into first with the Department, and later, as circumstances warranted, would be placed before Cabinet. Mr Kelloher, of the Internal Affairs Department, who was present with the Minister, outlined the position as left by the late Government. He referred also to the aspect of a graduated totaliastor tax which might be considered. Views were exchanged on the points, raised, and at the close of the interview, Mr Evans thanked the Hon Minister, not only for the patient hearing, but for the painstaking way he had gone into the details, and generally for the cordial manner in which the representations had been received. They would leave the matters iu the hamb of the Minister in a very hopeful spirit as to what the future would reveal. The Country Clubs of the Association are to be circulated in regard to the outcome of the interview, and suggestions made as to further action which might he considered necessary to secure adequate relief for the difficult period now being passed through.