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Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1931, Page 4

A measure of relief for racing and trotting clubs is provided for in the latest Finance Bill passed by Parliament. The proposal is to give a rebate on the totalisator equal to 2} per cent., with a maximum limit of £SOO. Formerly the, rebate was H per cent, with a maximum of £250. The assistance to the Clubs has therefore been doubled, but the individual benefit depends on the actual totaifsator turnover. To earn the full suosidy permitted, required a turnover of £20,000. This will be rather difficult for the smaller clubs particularly those restricted to one or two day meetings. Indeed some of the three day clubs at the present turnover, will have a difficulty in securing the maximum rebate. For the larger clubs, the full £SOO will be earned and can be> counted on. Smaller '’clubs wfth restricted days, and at the reduced amount for stakes, which can turnover £20,000 in the year and the maximum rebate, will probably be able to carry on without recording losses on the year. The number which will so benefit, howevcr ? will be limited, so that on the face of it, the measure of relief is not going tyo be generally hdlpfish A reduction of the heavy taxation which was imposed' temporarily during the war period, is the first essential to relief to botlj clubs and the public. Another aid •wotild be to permit investments by post or telegraph direct to the clubs. As it is at present, illicit betting is encouraged by the restriction on tele-

graphing investments to the clubs, and the public revenue would he greatly enhanced if the embargo were lifted and the postal and telegraph services made a vehicle for remittances. Naturally at the present time the Government is encouraged to maintain the high rate of racing taxation because it is readily and easily collected. But the experience of late shows a very substantial decline in the volume of the returns in all centres, and the income will fall substantdaly. It may be expected that by the time the new Parliament meets, the situation will he even plainer than it is at the present, and those in power will require to review the situation in the light of the facts which the figures will make plain. More will require to be done by reduced taxation if the clubs and tlie public are to be protected foi this matter.