The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1931. THE RACING SITUATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1931. THE RACING SITUATION.

J.x the racing centres of the Dominion, there is concern in high places as to the outcome of the effect of the depression rampant in the racing world, For some time now there has been palpable evidence of the drop in the totalisator returns, which are the

main spring to keep racing going in this country. It- is a rule of the racing organisation as established here, that Club earnings from the totalisator turnover, are to go back to the sport in the form of prize money for the otdiK’lrs. Probably this is not recognised as fully as it might be, but it is a fact nevertheless, and the first effect of the drop is in relation to the volume of stakes which clubs may offer. Over many years now. racing stakes have been built up steadily by the increasing totalisator turnover, and the benefit from this lias gone in the first instance to the owners, who have in a true sporting spirit passed on the result to the public in better horses, better fields and better racing for the enjoyment n,nd general pleasure of patrons. It is clear however, that there is now a sharp decline in investments. and that there must be a corresponding decrease in stakes. Racing as a sport will suffer accordingly. The clubs have done their best to stem the tide of adversity, but money tells according to the familiar phrase, and without the revenue, the clubs may not in fairness go on and continue on late lines. The material drop in the totalisator turn-over is being emphasised specially at the larger meetings. All the metro), Aitnn clubs are suffering heavily. There was the case of the Wellington meeting last week. Its summer meeting has been here to fore one of the most

successful race gatherings of tire season. Reports indicate that there was a definite try out on Thursday last, which was Anniversary Day and a public holiday. The weather was all 1 that could be desired, but both attendance and turn-over were down substantially. 'I lie Club bad anticipated a drop, but not to the extent experienced, and had reduced Cue stakes for I the meeting by over £IOOO. This reduction it is apparent from the actual turn-over, was inadequate, so that the Cluli apart from the loss incurred on the meeting, will have a deficiency in

its income to cover management expenses. While this is an example of the metropolitan centres, many of the small clubs are experiencing like conditions. 33bile the degree may he variable, the effect in each case is equally sen ions, it is said that- at least one metiopolitan club is in serious financial difficulties, while some of the smaller clubs are also in deep water. This state of affairs must prompt serious consideration. While it is symptomatic ot general conditions, and to that extent is not exceptional, it suggests mnmr.liiiig requires to be done to remedy the position. Racing in this country is something of an industry in that it provides a large amount of employment and ensures a large turnover of expenditure during a year, 'fhe contraction is going to he bad for general business, as the curtailment means so much loss ready money in circulation. Government taxation has something to do with the position, but is not the whole cause. 3!neb revenue is lost through illicit betting, and owners will do well to take count of this aspect, because stakes will he fuelled from now on, and entries must lie increased. Owners will he incurring a double penaltv, if these two remedies are applied but Clubs must act m self-defence. The public, too, are afforded by reason of not using the 1 legitimate means of betting. They are diverting funds from the sport which should'go towards it advance- ! incut, 'the serious position into which ■ racing is drifting, gives ample food tor thought, and public interests can afford to he 'concerned about the out- ( come. The matter is one- which must ( 1 i*ivo the serious attention of the racing authorities if the sport is to he preserved along the satisfactory lines on which it has been conducted hitherto. *