RACING IN WAR TIME.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 14 March 1917, Page 5

RACING IN WAR TIME.

‘NOT AN ESSENTIAL INDUSTRY

Mr. M. J. Mack, of the Third Wellington Military Service Board, holds very strong views about racing in war time. A recent case before the board was that of a starter for various racing clubs at their periodical meetings. He enlisted on January 31„ to report for duty on April 2, but he applied to the board for an extension of time until May 2, on the ground that if this leave were given him -he could earn at meetings to occur during the month of April fees amounting to £lO5. The board granted leave until April 25. Mr. Mack has put in the following minority judgment:—“l regret to have to dissent from the finding of the majority of the board, on the ground that I do not regard horse-racing a? an essential industry, and further that there is not the slightest doubt in ray mind that horse-racing is absorbing a large number of men who could be more profitably employes'. The appellant’s ground of the loss of £lO5 in fees is unworthy of consideration when compared with the sacrifices made by small farmers, business men, and others.”