RACE BETTING AGENCIES

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27094, 18 July 1953, Page 2

RACE BETTING AGENCIES

TRUST CONTROL SUGGESTED

RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION FORMED AT SHIRLEY

The Totalisator Agency Board will be notified that if it intends to establish an agency in the Avon riding of the Waimairi County, the district’s new Ratepayers’ and Householders’ Association wishes to be consulted before a branch is established there.

After its formation at a meeting of 20 residents in the Shirley Methodist Hall on Thursday evening, the association discussed a scheme to run T.A.B. agencies under a trust system, profits to go towards the development of the district. This idea was put forward by the secretary (Mr M. Connelly) when the chairman (Mr W. J. Reid) called for suggestions for financing better amenities in the area.

The meeting also agreed to notify the board that if an agency was to be established in the district the association wanted an option on its control. “If we have a sort of trust control, as they have for liquor in Invercargill, we save a salary of about £2OOO a year,” Mr Connelly said. “The Invercargill Licensing Trust has found about £45,000 for the betterment of the community.” Mr N. S. Hanson said a totalisator agency was badly needed in the district. The one at Riccarton handled between £1590 and £2OOO a week.

Mr E. Newman opposed the establishment of a depot in the district at all, and did not agree that one was almost inevitable. ‘‘We are travelling too fast, and should not worry about this until we are stronger,” he said. Better Bns Service Sought

Mr E. Huston described the lack of buses at week-ends as “ridiculous” and the meeting appointed a deputation to wait on the Transport Board. It was agreed that an improved bus service was the primary need of district. Other requirements mentioned were a kindergarten, a post office, more telephone boxes, fire alarms, and Plunket facilities. The secretary will ask the Plunket • Society about the possibility of providing a service in the district.

Officers were elected as follows: president, Mr W. J. Reid; vice-presi-dent, Mr G. J. Faith; secretary. Mr M. Connelly; treasurer, Mr H. Richards; executive, Messrs F. Martin, W. J. Reid, J. W. Mines, and E. Smith; trustees. Messrs Reid. Faith, and Richards.

Mr Reid said yesterday that the association hoped to spread its activities over the whole riding although the riding might soon be amalgamated with the city. Meetings will be held every month. The association hopes to assist school committees and also to advance the drainage of low-lying land throughout the district.