GAMING LAWS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 August 1931, Page 8

GAMING LAWS

CLUB PRESIDENT’S REVIEW. PALMERSTON N., August 25. “The time has arrived for an alteration to our gaming laws,” said Mr C. Louisson, in his presidential address at the annual meeting of the Manawatu Racing Club this evening. “It is imperative for the ruling Government to introduce a Bill to protect the t public, racing clubs, and also the totalisator revenue. . “The telegraphing" of l money to the course,” he continued, “and" the publication of dividends will increase both the totalisator and the telegraphic revenue be of a benefit to the Government, and enable clubs to cater mor© freely for owners, who should receive the first consideration for without them there would be no racing whatever. Considering the desperate position of all clubs, the Government should assist by passing the legislation indicated.

“The taxation on racing is beyond the limit that clubs and their patrons can afford,” said Mr Louisson. “Although relief was promised by the previous Government from war taxation, this fias not been given, but instead an extra 5% per cent, on the totalisator tax lias freen imposed. After allowing the usual, and reasonable expenditure connected with a race meeting a club should at least be able to balance its meeting before the Government tax should take effect, and unless something is done by the Government to relieve flie clubs the result wijj be the gradual extinction of some, and the remainder can only carry on under the greatest diffif , nlt i “s. Tt should be recognised that although racing is a *■ in,, f (1, peoplfe', and many secondary industries are interested in its welfare. Our politicians should take a more logical view and encourage the sport instead of imposing taxation which will defeat its own ends. , The Racing Conference is to be congatulated on the revision and consolidation of the rules of racing, and also for the initial steps they are taking to cut down expenditure.”