TOO MUCH RACING.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 19, 23 January 1926, Page 10

TOO MUCH RACING.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —A correspondent refers to the enormous amount' of racing that is taking place in Auckland, and accuses it of being a worse evil than the drink. So far I agree with him, but I cannot agree with hi-s views that if any member of Parliament was to interfered would be committing political suicide. Last Session there was a noted fight put irp against a racing bill. Four of Auckland's members took a very prominent part in that memorable stonewall, these were: Mr. Parry, Auckland Central: Mr. Harris, Waitemata; Mr. Lee, Auckland East; Mr. Potter, Roskill. Not one of these gentlemen lost his seat. During the last, six years Mr. Parry, M.P., has i fought against the powers that the Racing Clubs are clothed with, he has also fought continually, both in and out of Parliament, against the unfair conditions of jockeys and apprentices. It was through his consistent agitation that the seven stone minimum was brought about and the size of the fields reduced. The large majority that he was returned with last election proves that members attacking racing are not in any danger of committing political suicide.* All must agree that' there is far too much racinoin New Zealand and Hie enormous amount held in Auckland justifies the opinion voiced by overseas visitors that racing is Auckland's religion. There is one way, which, if adopted, would at least find where members of Parliament stood, that is by getting a petition presented from large and small shopkeepers, cliurches and other social workers protesting against further racing privileges and ether clubs being allowed to race in Auckland. Unless there is sonic such protest they will continue to bring every racing club that wants to make a rise to Auckland I notice the Waikato Trottmg Club is going to hold its next meeting in Auckland, and no doubt all other clubs will plough up their racecourses as an excuse to go to Auckland to race. —I am, etc., SUPER ABUNDANCE^