RACE PERMITS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 October 1920, Page 5

RACE PERMITS.

AN INCREASE OPPOSED. BY LEGISLATIVE .COUNCIL., SUPPORT p-DISTRIBUTION. By Teletfmph.—Press Association.

Wellington, Last Night. In the Legislative Council this afternoon, Sir Francis Ball moved the second reading of the Oaming Amendment Bill, which sets up a commission to decide how many extra totalisator permits should be issued. Ho explained that it was intended to add a new elanso to validate the licenses issued during the visit of the Prince of Wales and Lord Jellieoe. The Hon. J. Barr said the object of the commission was to increase, rather tiffin re-distribute, permits. Sir Francis Bill: Hear, hear. The Hon. T. Mac Gibbon considered the time was inopportune to increase racing facilities. He favored redistribution, but not an increase. The Hon. E. Mitchelson thought members misunderstood the Bill. An opportunity was being given for redistribution. Any attempt at an increase could be dealt with by a hostile resolution of the Council. The Hon. W. Barnshaw said it was wrong, to give the commission a free hand. He would oppose the Bill. The Hon. H. L. Michel said he would support the second reading in the hope that small districts would secure justice. The Hon. C. H. Izard said tho Bill was simply to help racehorse owners, and to put more revenue in the hands of the Government. He would oppose the Bill. The Hon. 0. Samuel hoped the long work of the House would not be undone, and he appealed specially for sympathy for Hunt Clubg.

The Hon. M. Cohen, while sympathising with Hunt Clubs, said there was an unhesitating demand from the people that racing should not be increased. The Hon. J. Gow maintained that it was wrong to give the commission a free hand to increase permits. The Hon. V. ,1. Nerheny supported the second reading in the belief that the main object was redistribution.

The Hon. E. W. Alison supported tlio second reading. Sir Francis Bell said it was time an increase in pennits was proposed; it could not in justice be otherwise, for a redistribution without an increase would mean taking from one to give to another.

The second reading was carried by 20 votes to IG.

In committee, the Hon. J. Barr moved to allow for a redistribution, but not for an increase.

The amendment was carried by 18 votes to IG, the voting being: Eor the amendment: Hons. BanCohen, Earnshaw, Fisher, Fleming, Garland, Gow, Hall-Jones, Hardy, Izard Jones, MeGibbon, McGregor, Moore, Simpson, Smith, Thompson, Triggs. Against: Hons. Bell, Alison, Buchanau Clark, Collins, Fraser, Geddis, Grimmond, Hawke, Mitchel, Mitehe&on, Nerhenv Patuki, Scott, Sinclair, Stewart. A division was called for on the clause giving Hunt Clubs an extra eight days, and the clause was retained by 22 votes to 12.

The Hon. M. Cohen moved to add a clause to limit races in winter to seven per meeting. This was rejected by 10 votes to 13.

The Bill was then reported with amendments.