THE PUNTERS' LOT

NZ Truth, Issue 1108, 24 February 1927, Page 11

THE PUNTERS' LOT

Tote Percentages Take Joy Out Of Racing r (Prom "N.Z. Truth's" , Special Auckland Representative.) Punters generally received yet another thrashing: before Roto- ' rua concluded.

THEY came away realizing that at least: 75 per cent, of their spending Hmit;..for the gathering had been swallowed -iip m tote percentages. . Are the Government and Racing Conference listening? i It is no joking matter — this undue charge for the privilege of 1 betting through the tote. Racegoers generally are waking up to the fact that they are being Imposed upon, and a substantial reduction is asked for. ; . '^ "Why," said yet another punter to "N.Z., Truth," "after some years', transactions through the tote, I have ; only just realized that; for every pound , I expend at' present it costs me at least 3s. . ' ,y. r> -■■' "For the privilege of punting alorfe last season I contributed no. less a '■'". r ■ " . '•'''■';'- -■.'

sum than £600 m taxes and percentages. ', "As a matter of fact, I risked clob© on £4000 to win £600 for the Government and racing and aboufe £50 for myself. Great, isn't it?" That particular man is not short: of cash. ,He is well on his way to j • independence. i He has been a consistent follower of racing, which he enjoys. He explained, however, that unless ' the,, tax was. reduced considerably he ' must join the '"wise birds" who already realize that the task of beating the tote was almost hopeless. By slaughtering \jhe betting public ; . the racing heads should realize that " they are driving punters to the book- l ' makers' camp.