SPORTING

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LIII, Issue 8683, 10 September 1924, Page 3

SPORTING

SUPPORT FOP GAM TNG BILL.

An important conference cl ' presentatives of racing and trotting clubs in the territory south *d Auckland was held in Hamilton on Friday last |c consider the measures t< be taken in support of the Gaming Hiil, which advocates an increase in lotalisator permits and which will come before Parliament shortly for definite decision. It is understood that the Hill will l>e referred to a Committee of the House in the meantime. Haying clubs wen- represented at the conference as follows; - Ohineinuri, Mr T. Clarkin ; Opctiki, Mr G. W. Wren e ; Ho tenia, Mr C. A. Clarke; To Aroha, Mr R. L- Somers; Te Klliti, Mr A. ,7. Smith ; Thames, Mr C. E. Armstrong; Whdpa. Mr A. S. Walla< e ; {Lay of Plenty. Mr W. E. Carr; Taumarunui. Mr G. W. Vcrcoe ; Hamilton. Mr G. W. Vercae ; Ngaruwaiiia, Mr A Sutherland ; Paengaroa-Te Puke, Mr G. W r . Acrcoc; Franklin, Mr A. H. Tapper; Alalamata, Air P. Quinlan: W r aika)o Hunt. Air T. Clarkin. The I rotting clubs represented were : Waikato-, Air E. Goodwin, Thames. Air V. IT. San son ; Te Aroha. Air H. Burke- The meeting elected Air Vercoe to 1 the chair. The chairman in his opening remarks said that there had been a good deal of correspondence with members of Parliament on Hu* proposed measure and those opposed te its provisions had been fairly active in this respect. He considered (liar if was warranted that the representatives of the racing and trotting clubs in the very wide territory they were concerned with should express I heir opinions, which would strengthen the hands of the Government in the matter. The Chau man at this stage- moved the following resolution :

"That this meeting of representatives of country racing and trotting clubs in the Auckland Province is of the opinion that the sporting public in the* country districts of New- Zealand are insufficiently catered for as regards the min:l.u v of days on which, race meetings may be held. It considers that in expressing this view if is voicing the senlimenls of the majority of the people of New Zealand, and prays that fho Government will'earnestly consider the- claims of the people and pass legislation this session providing for the granting of additional totaiisalcr permits both for racing and trot tinge’ In speaking to the motion the chairman said that he was connected with and was in touch with those in control of the spert, and his conclusion was that the members of the controlling body were jusj as zealous of their honour and good name as those who were making such strenuous efforts to block the passage of the Bill. There was no denying tliaj_ both racing and trotting pastimes were enjoyed by a large population of this country. Ir was manifestly unfair to blame those in control for the shortcomings of the sport just as, ho contended, it would be unfair to blame the church for the crime nf any one of its members or Hie law for any defects which might be committed by the profession- A resolution along the lines set out and supported by such a representative assembly of the racing and trotting clubs south of Auckland would .support the Government, placing the Bill on the Statute Book. Air Goodwin seconded the motion.

Air Quinlan thought that perhaps the resolution cli,d nor go quite far enough. It had to be recognised that there was ample endeavour against the Bill and, so far, no-t somuch work done in support as was warranted. Two of the main points by those directly in opposition were in the direction cf curtailing the powers of metropolitan clubs and increasing the minimum weight of horses. If those he was referring m had these points granted he believed they would be in favour < t the Bill- It was quite patent that these who wished the Bill to go through in its present form had to fight the bookmakers. However, from, what he had gathered from channels most direct!v in support, he believed that the Bill would go through. Perhaps it might further held their cause if thev forwarded petitions signed by these in support throughout the whole of the large district with which they were concerned, bur it might be too late to carry that work through. Air Armstrong supported the eoncral tenor of the resolution and the remarks made, but was cf the conclus’on that if the word ‘‘generally wo' 11 added at the close of the resolution it might be wise, as the Bill undoubtedly cf national import. However, after some discussion. Hv't mrint was not persevered with. Mr Somers said that the inten-

lion of ihe Hill was to giw increas'd permits to eeuntrv chilis. ami considered that (he resolution covd tin- LTM'ujids. On !n> motion, ii w'is decided to attach the simulant ot the representatives of tiit• ehd)s present u the resolution. It was printed out that it was the intention ol the Government to submit the Hill to a division. Jn reply to Mr Clarke, the chairman said that the clubs in the Noith were also taking; action in the matter The resolution was carried unanimously. It will lie sent to the Prime Minister, tin* Minister of Internal Affairs, the president nf the Sports Protection League, ami to all memVrs of Parliament in the district covered by the racing and tret tins - clubs concerned. Mr Wallace said that they should net lose sight of moving for a redistribution of the permits if the Hill were not carried in its oresent form. The Chairman, in reply fc. a question, said that lie understood it was the intcntUu to put the Hill before a committee. Mr Tan per thought ‘hat if such was tdic case it would be advisable to send a delegation before the Committee to give evidence and do whatever was necessary towards the fun he ranee of the Hill. Tt was resolved to get in tec touch wdh the Minister of Internal Affairs on the point, and a committee consisting of Messrs A. ii. Tapper. A. S>. Wallace, P. Quinlan, C. A. Clarke. A. J. Smith and E- Montgomery was appointed to visit Wellington if necessary-.