RACING PERMITS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 July 1920, Page 5

RACING PERMITS.

STRATFORD WANTS TWO MORE. ! RE-DISTRIBUTION URGED. (By Telegraph.—-Special Correspondent.) Wellington, Last Night. The claim of the Stratford Racing Club to an increased number of permits was placed before the Minister of Internal Affairs to-day by Messrs A. Coleman and S. Pitt, who were introduced by" Mr. R Masters, membei for the district. The Stratford Club receives two permits under the present allocation, and it is asking for an additional two permits. Mr.* Coleman said the position had been explained fully to Mr. Anderson's predecessor in office. Mr. Kussell, the late Minister for Internal Affairs, had admitted that the Stratford Club had a good case, and had recommended the Racing Conference to assist it, but the Conferer-ce, unfortunately, had no power to re-distribute permits. An increase in the number of permits was not proposed. The present allocation of the permits had been made by the Commission in 1910, and since then the conditions in many districts had changed greasy. The Taranaki district, which had grown considerably in population in recent years, admittedly was prejudiced by the existing allotment. The request of the Stratford Club now was that the Minister would request the Racing Conference to bring down a scheme for the re-distribution of the existing permits. The Minister, in reply, said that he realised fully that there was much discontent among the clubs, and he would do his best ,to see that a proper adjustment was made. Gambling had increased greatly, and lie did not believe that the community would stand for an increase in the number of racing permits. He felt that any change made must be in the direction of re-allocation. The holding of permits by districts with comparatively small populations . had heen mentioned. Racing men should not forget that in the early days these districts had been the most populous in the colony, and had kept the sport going. It would not be fair to wipe out' the small clubs in the mining districts, for example, even if their totaljsator receipts were smaller.than the returns of newer districts. He would not agree to take away permits from the old clubs. When permits were withdrawn the lost 1 should fall on districts where there were numerous clubs in restricted areas. The Minister added that he recognised that the Racing Conference was the governing authority.. He would ascertain the views of the Conference, and he hoped that something would be done for the Stratford Club and other clubs in similar positions.