RACING’S VALUE

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1933, Page 8

RACING’S VALUE

PRESIDENT’S OPTIMISTIC NOTE

WELLINGTON, July 12

An optimistic note regarding the future of the trotting sport in the Dominion was struck by Mr. H. F. Nichoil, president of the New Zealand Trotting Conference, in his address to delegates to-day. “The past year has shown signs that, in many cases, the clubs are gradually recovering and there are some unmistakable signs of returning prosperity to the sport,” said Mr Nichoil. “We find occasionally that well-meant but ill-informed arguments arise in opposition to racing, but the sympathy of the community is with us. What a dull drab life it would be without the diversion which is created through the sport of racing, which gives so many people something to look forward to—a variation and a departure from the daily toil. ' That is one sound reason why racing will always deserve and earn the support/ of the people. “This entertainment has the common advantage of what the doctors call ‘alternative’ —it tunes up the body and it ‘takes one out of oneself’ and gives the mind a few hours, during which its daily preoccupations are banished. Even when to-day food is assured by Government regulations, the need of a complete change of environment and thought is an antidote to fanaticism. Fanatics are solitaries,' people who brood upon one problem; but when they come t° mingle bn the racecourse they cannot really hate one another because they enjoy racing company. Racing is a prime safeguard of national unity, and a specific against' revolution.

“Racing and trotting have proved themselves in New Zealand,” concluded Mr Nichoil. “It is realised that the adminstrative bodies live to provide clean, sport, and that though abuses may occur seasonably they cannot fioroush or continue' under the supervision constantly operating. Time has judged the work of this conference which is ever exercised in the desire to elevate and strengthen the' traditions of sportsmanship, which is the heritage of our people.” .....