Today’s Turf News

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1055, 20 August 1930, Page 10

Today’s Turf News

ILLICIT BETTING SHOULD BE STOPPED HOW TO PRODUCE REVENUE Reference to the new totalisator taxation proposals was made by the president. Mr. John Rowe, of the Auckland Trotting Club, at the annual meeting of members this afternoon. “I do not intend to make a hue and cry against it,” he said. “This club has always been ready tp bear its burden for tho benefit of every case where necessary, and rrfore particularly when it was for.the country’s need. “I certainly think and will go so far as to say that the Government has not done its share in the matter. liad the Government assisted th© passage of the Gaming Bill through Parliament, clubs would have been in a position today to meet the increased tax. “However, if they are now sincere in the matter they will assist the Prime Minister, who has promised his support to the Bill, for its uninterrupted passage through the House, thereby making it legal to wire money to the course and publish dividends and at the same time see that betting through illicit channels is stopped. “If this is done l am quite sure the increase in the totalisator returns will produce more than the extra tax.” TROTTING MERGER TWO AUCKLAND CLUBS In liis presidential address to members of the Auckland Trotting Club at their annual meeting this afternoon, Mr. John Rowe touched on the proposed. merging of the Otahuhu and Auckland Clubs. He said: “The most important matter to be dealt with today is the merger of the Otahuhu Club with this club. I feel sure you will agree with me that it is the most forward movement yet attempted for the improvement and advancement of trotting in Auckland. L sincerely hope the scheme will be accepted by you and agreed to unanimously. “In my opinion I believe it will enable the club to go ahead with the necessary improvements which have been discussed for some time, but unfortunately could not be proceeded with for lack of funds. “The members of the Otahuhu Club have agreed to the measure and have given their committee full power to complete and do all things necessary to carry into effect the linking-up of the two clubs, which will mean centralisation of trotting, new and up-to-date appointments for members, electric totalisator’ improved appointments for the outside public, and lower annual subscription. see the scheme is a sound and economic one.. I submit it. to you for your earnest consideration and I sincerely hope that r.o member, will stand in the way of the onward progressive march of the popular sport of trotting.”