RACING COMMISSION

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 334, 22 June 1911, Page 8

RACING COMMISSION

REDUCTION OF RACING DAYS. MANY PERMITS CANCELLED. VVAITARA AND PATEA TO GO OUT. , By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Rating Commission's report was issued to-day. In the preface the Commissioners protest against the objections raised by the Crown law officers, and decline to concur in 1 heir validity. The report itself states that the Commissioners fulfilled the duty of reduction with regret, as they were unanimous in their opinion that some measure of redistribution would havo been preferable, and that with exceptions which could have been remedied, and considering the consequential diminution of registered clubs caused by the restrictions imposed by the Gaming Act, the days of racing are not excessive to supply the requirements of so scattered a population. The Commissioners recognised as a principle 'that the larger cities also cater for a periodical influx from the neighboring i districts. They also regarded less accessible communities as entitled to special consideration wherever they have shown an active desire by provision of the needful equipments. Everything approaching the proprietary principle is to be stron'gly deprecated, and it is dbvious that where the courses are held on leasehold tenure from companies or individuals, there is a danger if not certainty, that a more or less disguised form of profit must ensue. They therefore recommend that the requirement for clubs obtaining the freehold or right to race in perpetuity be at a fixed rental. They consider that to guard against the accretion of personal profit, tiiat on any club' ceasing to carry on racing after 31st December, 1011, any surplus be devoted to the nearest hospitals; and where the clubs amalgamate, the surpluses to he considered a-s assets of the amalgamated club. As a general rule they consider that no license should be granted where the course is less than a mile in circumference, and fenced on the inside in the approved fashion. They call attention to the shortcomings of certain clubs regarding fittings, sanitation, etc., and recommend that if such is not remedied within one or two years, the license should be permanently withdrawn. In view of the lessened number : of meetings the Commissioners suggest that the Railway Department should supply facilities to the public, especially within a radius of 20 miles. The report recommends the reduction in the days of racing from 242 to 199, and of trotting from 02 to 51. The reductions are as follows:—Auckland, from 13 to 11; Wellington from 10 to 0; Hawke's Bay, from 8 to 7; Dannevirke, from 4 to 3; Avondale, from 5 to 4; Napier, > from 0 to 5; Taratahi (Carterton), from 2 to 1; Masterton, from 4 to 3; Reefton, from 4 to 3; Kumara, from 2 to 1; Rotorua, from 2 to 1; and Tuapekn, from 2to 1. Licenses are withdrawn altogether from the following clulbs:— Ashhurst, Pohangina, Pahiatna, Patea, Christchurch Racing Club, Horowhenua Hack, Lower Valley, Taieri Turf Club, Waitara, Waipawa, Olioke, Eyreton, North Canterbury, Alexandra, Westport, Maniototo, Waihi, and ICaikoura. Rangitikei and Ma,rton meetings are to be combined, and betwen them will have four days instead of six as previously. One day has been given to each of the Te Kuiti and Bay of Plenty Racing Clubs. Trotting reductions are: Christchurch Metropolitan, from 11 to 0; Canterbury Park, from G to 4; Now Brighton, from (! to 4; Auckland, from 8 to 7; Ashburton, from 3 to 2; Otahuhu, from 5 to 4; Greymouth, from 5 to 4; Hutt Valley, from 2 to 1. ' A new license has been granted for one day annually to Oamaru. Other clubs not mentioned above have not been interfered with.