MID-WEEK MEETINGS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30176, 6 July 1963, Page 5

MID-WEEK MEETINGS

Little Effect On Industry * (Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, July's. Relaxation of the prohibition of mid-week racing imposed to avoid interference with war-time production has not been accompanied by signs of undue inconvenience to industry, says the annual report of the Internal Affairs Department tabled in Parliament today. It has substantially reduced the problems of the racing and trotting conferences in arranging fixtures which do not overlap, and has provided more opportunities for owners and trainers.

In general, the operation of . mechanical totalisator equipment was of a high standard, only a few very minor errors being noted. In each ' instance the necessity for constant maintenance of equipment was brought to the attention of the management.

It was again necessary to draw attention to a number ofjdiscrepancies in “progress" dividend indications, most of which were promptly detected and remedied. Discrepancies occurring immediately before the closing of the totalisator are difficult to detect because large investments at the last minute can materially alter odds. Early progress dividend indications are largely based on off-course betting, which does not always reflect the state' of on-course betting. Constant changes in the indications are therefore essential if investors are to be given accurate information. The department has advised totalisator staffs to concentrate on this aspect.