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Hokitika Guardian, 10 January 1931, Page 4

Tun Christmas and New Year racing carnival closed on Thursday, but it cannot he said that it was as successful as in former years. Last season was a record for some clubs in the way .of profit making, but this season the record is in reverse gear, and losses generally have resulted. The clubs have felt the pinch of the times, here as elsewhere in New Zealand, where there has been a marked decline in the financial support to the racing. We do not know that the attendance declined very seriously. On the whole it appeared that the crowds were as large as usual, and motoring parties certainly did not diminish. But there was net the same amount of money in circulation for investment. That was rather anticipated, for the depression is beginning to attack the Coast in real earnest. At the same time, the extra impost by the Government for taxation had something to do with the lessening of the funds. The doubling of the totalisator tax at once .appropriated hundreds of pounds which in the ordinary way would have continued in circulation. Actually the move by the Government tended to reduce betting and in the end decrease the revenue. This was the opposite to what was intended. The purpose of the Government was to obtain more revenue from racing, and the soundest move would have been to leave the taxation as it stood before the recent increase, and permit money to he telegraphed to clubs for investment. The revenue would have increased with a jump, for the money would have been diverted front the underground betting now going on, and the Government income would have increased under two headings, both with an increased turn-over, and the fees for extra telegrams passing through the offices. This move is still open to the Government, and the marvel is that it has not been recognised as a sound stei> to take to meet the situation of the clubs as well as the public revenue. One other aspect of the racing carnival might he mentioned. That was the clashing of dates. The clash was most unfortunate, but the circumstances quite unavoidable. It is understood however, a movement is afoot to call a meeting of club representatives to discuss a general rule for the future, and some arrangement in that direction might meet the situation.