JOTTINGS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 October 1939, Page 11

JOTTINGS

SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE. The very substantial increase in the investments recorded .on the first day of the Auckland Racing Club's meeting is all the more notable because Beaulivre was the only 7 favourite to win during the day. No fewer than four rank outsiders succeeded in winning, and this would mean a lot of money going out of circulation, but apparently the Auckland race-goers go wellarmed with the sinews of war when tilting against the totalisator. In addition to an almost complete defeat of the favourites, which generally has a restricting effect on betting, there was also a division race on the card. Regular and consistent punters 'do not like division races as betting propositions, and hence cut their bets, but those in search of big dividends mayhave reason to appreciate them. What a racing club thinks of divisions is shown by the invitation to scratch Wagner for the Heathcote Handicap, which he won, paying around three score and ten.

In his presidential report to the members of the Wairio Jockey Club, Mr Thomas Todd says: “Since our members last met together the British Empire, in the defence of minor nations in Europe, has become involved in the second big war during the past quarter of a century, and the question of carrying racing on has been debated from both sides. I am only voicing my private opinion in stating that this club should carry on as usual. As trustees of semi-public funds racing club committees have a clear-cut duty to perform in times like the present. By holding its annual race meeting at the usual time the committee will not’only provide a healthy day of recreation for the residents of the district, but will also provide employment in the district, assist owners and trainers to keep their establishments going, and help the Government to collect muchneeded taxation that would otherwise be missed if the meeting Were not held. Last season we paid £7OO in taxation on the day’s racing; as the rate has since been considerably increased, it is safe to assume that that amount will be larger this season. I am strongly of the opinion that our annual race meeting should be held, and that the whole of the net profits of the fixture should be given to war or patriotic funds. That is my proposal, and it is now placed before you for your approval or otherwise.” FIXTURES. October 21. 2,3.—Wellington R.C. October 21, 23.—Gore R.C. October 23.—Poverty Bay H.C. October 23.—North Canterbury R.C. October 23— Waverley R.C. October 23. —Waikato H.C. October 28—Banks Peninsula R.C. October 28.—Rangitikei R.C. November 3, 4. —Whangarel R.C. November 4. —Napier Park R.C. November 4. —Stratford R.C. November 4,6, 8, 11.—Canterbury J.C.