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Hokitika Guardian, 4 July 1931, Page 4

It is mentioned that the annual meetings of the racing and trotting authorities are to be held in Wellington this month, and the meetings promise to be of special interest to the sister sports. In connection with racing, there is to he a complete overhaul of the rules following a decision a year ago to have the rules revised, in fact recast. In connection with trotting there are special motions dealing with the constitution of the internal administration, and once again the handicapping system is to he overhauled. While these domestic- matters are sure to he subject for careful consideration by the renresentathives of the Clubs attending the meetings, questions of economy are certain to crop tip. The depression on top of the increased taxation enforced by the Government for revenue purposes, has had -a, serious effect on the revenue of the Clubs, many of which are in financial difficulties. For the first time in the history of racing, totalisator permits have gone nbegging, clue to Clubs not being able to carry on, and others not ready to slip into the breach. This state of affairs should he strong proof to the Government that the taxation imposed -should he eased. Racing men are also dropping out of the sport, as is disclosed bv the decreased entries for the classic events which are the foundation for the future of racing by bringing out fresh blood. Practically all the Clubs have had to reduce stakes, including every Metropolitan Club, and some severe cuts have been made in the hope of balancing meetings. The maintenance of the sport at the high level it ha,s reached is to the credit of New Zealand, hut with decreasing competition there will be a falling off. The Clubs will no doubt see to further economies in internal management and in the administration, of the sport, bnt there is the need for the Government easing the demands of taxation, or the future will he jeodardisod seriously. The country derives much easily collected revenue from racing, but there must he a drop in the total, and it is for th.e Government to share more equitably with the Clubs, flTe loss so experienced. There is sure to he a very insistent demand for relief in ta'--.■%tion, which on the present scale will have the opposite effect to that intended. -5