TROTTING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 177, 27 July 1940, Page 14

TROTTING.

FINANCIAL ASPECT.

HUGE VOLUNTARY TAX. AUCKLAND'S CONTRIBUTION. A graphic illustration oi the popularity of trotting in the Dominion and the manner in which followers of the sport contribute voluntarily towards the finances of the country is disclosed by statistics for the season just closed. During the term, a total of £2,364,990 was invested on . trotting eftnts in New Zealand, of which the public spontaneously handed over to the Government the sum of £221,717, made up of a 5 per cent tax on the total investments and a 5 per cent dividend tax. The trotting clubs received VA per cent of the total wagered, and •speculators 16/7 in every £.

Nearly a quarter of a million pounds must bo regarded as a very nice contribution to the exchequer, and it is at least one tax which is not begrudged by those affected. I'rooC of this lies in the fact that investments have been increasing for a long time past.

The Auckland Trotting Club headed the list with t-408,127 10/ lor 11 days' racing, the New Zealand Metropolitan Club coming next, its total being £ 46D.040 10/ for nine days' racing. Investments for the Auckland Province were £I>'J2,O4"J 10/. while the Auckland Club handled more than onctifth of total investments for the Dominion, and therefore a similar proportion of the taxation. In addition, stakes are taxed, and there is an amusement tax. clubs also having to contribute under social security legislation.

It would be difficult to arrive at a proper estimate of how many families arc dependent on this sport—one might well ssi.v industry—but it would be safe to state that t lie number would run into several thousand.