V.R.C. ACTION

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1932, Page 2

V.R.C. ACTION

REFUSAL OF LICENSES. .MELBOURNE, July 6. The circumstances certainly • suggest that there may he a big story behind the decision of the V.R.C. committee to withhold 'licenses from six members of the Filemirigto 1 paddock ring. The names or the six were at first kept secret, hut they hive been published isince, and three of them, at 'least, were operating in a big way. One—H. Youlden— had, in a comparatively few years, worked his way right to the if ore front and was in the first four bookmakers, judged on volume of .business, in Melbourne. A writer in Melbourne, who as customarily best informed on.such a subject, frankly admits that he is completely ignorant £>i. to. the explanation iof the committee’s action. No reason ,at all has been' given by the, racing authorities, who have contented 'themselves with a statement that the,

licenses have been withheld. The bookmakers concerned have not been “heard" by th e committee. ■Supervision of bookmakers is ' very •strict in Melbourne, and misconduct quite apart from racing lias before today brought about the compulsory retirement of a bookmaker'; In this case the assurance is given that nothing of that nature is involved, nor has the financial standing of any of* the six in regard to betting obligations been questioned. These things being as they are, there seems only the possibility of racecourse happenings 'or actual racing matters left.

Nrtmailv, the, Victorian Club —the chief sporting institution of its kind dn Melbourne—ls greatly com corn eel about the matter. For the present it has decided that the affected bookmakers shall continue to be allowed to exercis e theh’ full righis as booktnaki.ng member- of the club until, at least, it has further informaion. It may he explained that any member of the Victorian Club who incurs racing disqualification, automatically ceases to by a member.