RACING LEGISLATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 48, 19 May 1927, Page 6

RACING LEGISLATION

ANOTHER BILL LIKELY BURDEN OF TAXATION COUNTRY CLUBS SEEK GRADUATION (Special to THE SUN.) DARGAVILLE, Wednesday. 'J'HERE is likely to be another racing bill introduced this session of Parliament. The Prime Minister indicated this when answering a deputation from the Dargaville Racing Club, which pressed for some taxation relief for the country racing clubs. The deputation supported the recommendations of the last conference of clubs in the Auckland district. Mr. Coates referred to the Bill which had been introduced last session, and said he had been asked to give facilities at the coming session for a similar measure, to be brought by a private member, either in the Legislative Council or in the Lower House. The principal requests were that the telegraphing of money to the racecourses should be made legal, and that no restriction should be placed upon the publication of dividends. It was also suggested that doubles tola lisators should be introduced. Regarding the reduction of taxation on the racing clubs, said Mr. Coatee, this was a matter for the Minister of Finance. It would be difficult to ease the burden of taxation on one section without helping others. A committee from the New Zealand Racirg Conference was keeping in touch with the Government on the various aspects of racing in which amendments of the law weer desired. Mr. F. J. Dargaville, chairman ot the stewards of the Dargaville Club, suggested that the taxation on clnhf might be graduated in favour of ttcountry clubs. He did not think the Racing Conference would support the idea, as it was dominated by the metropolitan clubs, but the countT clubs were unanimously in favour ® it. Representations on these line* had also been made to the Minister of Internal Affairs. Replying to Mr. Coates, Mr. W gaville said his club was just able ■ carry on. Every pound of profit 0 the meeting was spent in ments to the course. The club *“ trying to play the game and provi good racing. , Details of the club's profits a* taxation during the past three J' e were supplied. Mr. J. P- Stanawasecretary of the club, said that 1925 profits amounted to £659,■ taxation to the Government In 1926 the profit was £643 4s sa. eluding a rebate of 21 per cent " taxes were £1,532 15s. Last 7 the Government received from club £1,404 19s Id, and the pr° D were £403 12s. Mr. Coates said all the cou clubs were more or less in the s position, while some of the ® politan clubs were also expenen difficulties.