RACING COMMISSION.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16987, 9 November 1920, Page 6

RACING COMMISSION.

» SCOPE OF BNQTJIEY. (special to "the piiess.") . WELLINGTON, November 8. A question regarding the activities of the Commission which is to enquiro into "die question of racing days and totalisator permits was raised in the House of Representatives this morning by Mr Isitt, who asked whether arrangements would bo made for the Commission to take evidence in the four main centres, and also to consider the economic and moral aspects of the granting of permits. The Prime Minister said that the Commission would take evidence in the four main'centres, and also in several others. It was being given n free hand and ho believed that tho members of it could be trusted to deal with the matter fully and fairly. . The Minister of Internal Affairs (the "Hon. G. J. Anderson) said that every ' application for a permit would he referred to the Commission, which would travel to every part of the Dominion from which the applications came, ana would go into the matter thoroughly. It would certainly take evidence in the four main centres, but beyond that would also hear evidence wherever it considered it wise. Mr Isitt: Will they take evidence, not only on the permits, but also on the economic and moral aspects of the matter? < Mr Anderson: The Commission isbasj ed on the Gaming Act Amendment Act, ' and quite a number of questions have arisen as to what they should do. The terms of the Act are very wide, giving the Commission almost unlimited power. Mr Isitt reiterated his question regarding the economic and moral effects of racing. Mr Anderson said that was a question of the interpretation of the .Act. and for the Commission, which had the widest possible power. They were to inquire into all matters appertaining to the question.