N. Wairoa Defended

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34099, 11 March 1976, Page 8

N. Wairoa Defended

(N.Z Presa Association > WHANGAREI. The patron of the Northern Wairoa Racing Club, Mr L. F. Sloane said yesterday that he could undersrand the membei of Parliament for Whangarei, Mr John Elliott, “putting the record straight” regarding allegations that the Minister of Internal \ffairs (Mr Ilighet) was responsible for the Whangarei Racing Club not being allowed to hold its March meeting at Avondale •■‘Tn that respect he has rightly stated the facts.” Mr Sloane said. “It is unfortunate that he was not so factual in the remainder of his statement yesterday “The conference decision hes been made and it appears now that because Whangarei is unhappy about the decision of the f-uling authority there is talk of a boycott threat. “1 would have hoped that the ‘stoking of the fire of dissent land friction’ could have been avoided at this late stage.” Mr Sloane said that although he challenged the figures on profit and loss, it was not his intention to argue them. Although the N.W.R.C- secretary would have welcomed the opportunity to state the club’s views, “surely we must accept the decision and null together. Mr Elliott speaks of the survival of country clubs. Let us—Northern Wairoa —have I the opportunity of survival too ”

“It means two more days racing for Northland patrons.” Mr Sloane said.

The Northern Wairoa Racing [Club president. Mr N. G. Thurston, said the threat of boycott “apparently supported bv Mr I Elliott,” could be a threat to racing in the north in general, including the Whangarei club’s new Ruakaka project.