RACE MEETINGS BILL-

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13611, 21 December 1909, Page 9

RACE MEETINGS BILL-

INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE.

(SPECIAL TO "THB TEKSS.")

WELLINGTON, December 20,

The Race Meetings Bill, which -was introduced in the. Hanso of Representatives to-day, is to como into effect, if passed,, on April Ist next. Nothing in tho Bill shall apply to clubs authorised to use the totalisator. No hoxso racing shall take place except under a chib licensed under the Bill. Any each. license may be granted subjecttO'SUch conditions as the Minister thinks fit, ■with respect to the nnmber, character, times, and places of races, and, as to their management and control. The Minister may at any time by •'Gazette ,, notice revoke any such license for any reason which ho deems sufficient: A'fuie of £00, or three months' imprisonment, is provided , for any person wio (a) pro- ' cures,, jvprmits, authorises, or .conducts any illegal racing; (b) who, not being a constable acting in the course of his duty, is present on any racecourse or other place for the purpose of taking part,>iv\hetber as a spectator or in any other manner whatsoever in any illegal racing then taking place, or about to take place; or (c) who instigates, incites, abets, aids or attempts to> com* mit any effence against this section. If. the offender is a body corporate in any such case, the offence shall be punishable on summary conviction by a fine of two hundred pounds. A constable may arrest without ■warrant any person found by him committing any offence against the lajst preceding section. ''Racing club" means any olub, association, or other body of persons (-whether incorporated or unincorporated), established for tho purpose of promoting, conducting, or controlling the sport of. horse raring. "Horse race'? includes «' trotting race.