RACING PERMITS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2622, 21 August 1923, Page 3

RACING PERMITS.

THE NEW BILL. The Gaming Bill, which was circulated in the House last night, makes provision for an increase of permits to use the totalisator. The first operative clause says that in addition to permits that may be issued under the 1908 and 19M Acts, the Mmister of Internal Affairs may grant licenses as follows: (a.) Not more than twelve licenses to racing clubs to use the totalisator on one day, and (b) not more than nineteen licenses to trotting clubs to use the totalisittor on one day. It, is proposed that on a change of constitution, say, from racing to trotting, or a hunt, the club retains the right to receive a permit. It is proposed to m’ake it lawful to refund tote investments on horses withdrawn from a race before the machine closes.

Respecting the removal of certain persons from racecourses, the law at present provides for their removal and a fine of £2O, and the Bill proposes as alternative to a fine a term of two months’ imprisonment.

In addition, there is this further provision, to the effect that anyone re-entering a course after removal may be summarily dealt with and fined £SO or sentenced to one month’s imprisonment.. On the subjects of the limitation of the use of the totalisator and the number of races in any one d'ay, the Bill says the totalisator shall not be open more than eight times in one day, and there shall not be more than eight races on any one day. The last clause proposes that there may be. appointed as offices of the public service, one or more inspectors of totalisators, who shall have the right of free entry to meetings. He may enter the totalisator room, examine the machinery, demand information, and shall have such other powers as may be proscribed by regulation. Anyone hindering him is liable to a fine of £SO.