$5 Bets

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31540, 30 November 1967, Page 14

$5 Bets

Sir, —Since the introduction of decimal currency one would have thought that the racing and trotting clubs would have provided facilities for $5 betting. There is a big gap from $2 to $lO and a $5 window would cater for betters who now have to buy from the $1 window. 1 feel sure a $5 window would be a very popular medium of bet-

ting. No doubt it will eventuate after some progressive North Island club makes the introduction and then it will eventually become nationwide. Why must the South Island always be last?—Yours, etc., FIVE-DOLLAR BETTER. November 20, 1967. [The secretary of the New Zealand Racing Conference (Mr A. R. Algie) replies: “The old betting units converted to decimal currency have been maintained to avoid confusion. Racing clubs are aware that an adjustment may eventually be made so that the present $2 or $lO betting unit is replaced with one of $5. As yet, however, there appears to be no appreciable demand for $5 betting windows.”] [The secretary of the New Zealand Trotting Conference (Mr J. Rowley) replies: “It is not normally the conference’s policy to reply to anonymous correspondence but as this is in effect a query of general interest I am prepared to say that the old betting units converted to decimal currency were maintained to avoid any possible confusion to the public. Trotting clubs throughout New Zealand are well aware that once the period of currency transition was completed various changes could be made and your correspondent’s letter was the first inclination of a member of the public’s demand for $5 betting. This will receive our earnest consideration.”]