REDUCTION OF RACING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1011, 29 June 1911, Page 3

REDUCTION OF RACING.

RANGITIKEI CLUB PROTESTS AGAINST EXTINCTION. DEPUTATION TO MR BUDDO. A deputation representing the Rangitikei (Bulls) Racing Club, and composed of Messrs D. Fraser president), J. G. Wilson (vicepresident), J. H. Perrett, F. J. Mansell, J. Walker and A. J. Bailey, waited upon the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. D. Buddo) on Tuesday, to protest against the recommendation of the Racing Commission, that the Club should not be granted a license. A FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY. Mr E. Newman, M.P., who introduced the deputation, said that since the establishment of the club, in 1855, the meetings on New Year’s Day at Bulls had been continuous, and the meeting was an annual event for people over the whole district. A few years ago the club had spent on the purchase of land and buildings. All the appointments were on the most up-to-date style. Their debt was now practically £3OOO, for which two gentlemen had become guarantors —Messrs J. G. Wilson and F. J. Mansell. These gentlemen, in the event of the recommendations being carried, stood to lose their money. Mr J. G. Wilson said that the commission had been told ot the debt, but not of the fact that a lease had been given of the grounds to a gentleman for grazing purposes at a year. If the license were taken from them the position would be: They had an income of ,£55, and they had to meet annually interest charges of 15s, which would leave them 15s to find annually until the land could be sold. If they amalgamated with Marton there was provision for the latter club taking over any assets Bulls might have, but no liabilities. It no redress could be given the case was certainly one tor compensation. Messrs Fraser and Perrett also spoke in support of the protest, and Mr Wilson pointed out that for many years an officer of their club had represented the district at the Racing Conference, which showed the feeling entertained towards the status of the club. THE minister’s reply. In reply, the Minister said he had fully expected many deputations as a result of the report of the commission. Hardship must be done to some clubs. It was quite clear that the Rangitikei Club had experienced its full share of hardship. He could not make any comment now, because it would, in a sense, be sub judice. He recognised the club had been put in a difficult position. But he did not see any other alternative for him than to follow the recommendation of the commission. After the first year succeeding the report of the commission, the Minister would have to say as to the allocation of the licenses, but it would necessarily be in accordance with the terms of the Commissioners’ report. However, he would take legal advice. PAHIATUA MEETING. Pahiatua, June 28. A meeting of the Pahiatua Racing Club was held last night to consider the recommendation of the Racing Commissiou that no totalisator license be issued to Pahiatua. The meeting resolved to confer with the Woodville Club, with which Pahiatua was recommended to coalesce, to see if arrangements could be made to hold one meeting a year at Pahiatua and one at Woodville.