N.Z. COUNTRY RACING CLUBS’ ASSN.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 March 1931, Page 2

N.Z. COUNTRY RACING CLUBS’ ASSN.

CIRCULAR TO COUNTRY RACING CLUBS.

The President, (Mr D. J. Evans) of the New Zealand Country Racing Club’s Association, has issued the following circular to affiliated Clubs on behalf of the Executive of the Association :

1 have to advise you on behalf of the Executive that the position of racing at present, and the outlook for the Country Clubs engaged in the sport, is a matter for serious concern. It was contemplated holding an Executive Meeting in January to nice! the Prime Minister and discuss the position, but the financial developments of the country and the prevailing depression, caused the matter to be deferred in the hope of taking up tin matter this month. With the ■ early meeting of Parliament, and the iineertaintv of the pol iticnl position, together with the effect of the aftermath of the oarthquakr adding to the general depression, noth ing very tangible could be hoped fofront an early Ministerial interview. Until Parliament decides as to the eccnomie policy generally and flu country settles down to ii stable form of GUvfirnhiehtj it would be futile tc look for :lny legislative relief. The depression so far as it effects racing, has taken a serious form, and iit their own interests the Clubs must face the position and meet it so far as possible by their own efforts. If there is any hope of Parliament relief arising from the pending session, the position of the sport will be reiterated to in authority and practical action sought. Racing is a source of much easy revenue for the Government of the day, and plays an important part in the general prosoertv of the country by all round aid to industrial and business concerns. To stifle the sport as is being done by taxation which is bleeding the patrons, is to drive- investments into illegal and non revenue producing channels. The State is losing heavily; the Clubs lose also, and their loss must be in a-measure., passed on to the owners in reduced stakes, which in turn effect the entries, and so detract from the snort it is possible to offer the public. These aspects of the position have been put before Ministers and Cabinet 1 for years p°st. but without avail. The Members of Parliament are aware ol the situation—and they sec revenue being lost and the sport jeopardised, but make no positive effort to save the situation. There is an obligation on the Clubs for the future when the matter again comes before Parliament to see that the Member for their District is iti his place and without offering any fractious opposition or using tiie forms of the House to delay a definite decision, assist the passage of a relief measure. No doubt Clubs will set their own house in order by nil reasonable curtailment of expenditure. A decrease in stakes will be imperative in most cases which is regrettable but unavoidable, as owners will be involved and less hordes will be available. This cannot be to the advantage cf Country Clubs, wbir-b must however endeavour to live within their means, and internal economics will have to be enforced. There is sure to be a definite demand to reduce the cost of the New Zealand Racing Conference and the amount of the levy on Clubs. The levy is paid in the main by the Metropolitan Clubs with the large totalisator turnover, but with that decreasing the quota must advance, if the same staff and system are retained. But any quota is difficult for Country Clubs to meet if race meetings are not a financial success. No doubt the Conference policy as to costly Stipendiary and Race Course Inspectors will be reviewed, while general staffs and administration will require also to bo overhauled. Country Clubs will also expect the annual vote for the Sports Protection League to be dropped, and all round economy enforced. The cost of racing like the cost of living must be reduced to ensure the sport being maintained at anything like the level it has attained in the Dominion, hut care should be taken by the Country Clubs (especially those at a distance from racing centres) not to reduce stakes to a limit which would fail to attract visiting owners. The Executive will keep a close watch on racing affairs,. and at the most opportune moment will not fail to press the case of the Country Clubs upon the notice of the Government. To that end Clubs should keep the Secretary of the Association advised as to any special points, or in regard to any particular matter upon which the co-operation of the Association could be useful. The times call for unity of action and close consideration where possible to maintain the sport in its popularity and attendant purity. The Clubs are manifesting the right spirit in their endeavour to carry on in the face of adverse times and circumstances, and that sporting spirit maintained. should have its reward. Trusting the Clubs will soon enjoy a return to more favourable conditions. Yours faithfully, D. J. Evans, President.