Conference seeks changes to racing legislation

Press, 16 July 1983, Page 19

Conference seeks changes to racing legislation

From J. J. BOYLE Wellington

The New Zealand Racing Conference yesterday followed the lead of the New Zealand trotting and greyhound administrators in supporting recommendations to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Highet, for amendments to the Racing Act and Gaming Duties Act. “I am certain that the Minister will use all his power to have the necessary legislation passed as a matter of urgency,” Mr Arthur Hughes, the president of the Racing Conference, told delegates at their annual meeting in Wellington. The resolution seeking the support of clubs for the amendments was passed without any protracted voting procedures. But there were words of opposition and others expressing reservations from around the meeting, attended by representatives of all racing clubs. Mr D. R. G. Pringle

(Masterton Racing Club) said his club, and others, would have reservations about changes in the venues for racing unless club members had a say in such decisions. He could find no reference to the benefits likely to come back to racing with the proposed amendments to the Racing Act. “If we pass this resolution it means we will have some real teeth to put our case before the Government,” Mr Hughes replied. “In past years we have led submissions seeking financial relief from the Government and we have got nowhere. Now we are working in harmony with the trotting and greyhound organisations with hopes of getting some financial relief.”

Robin Archer told conference delegates that his club, the Gore Racing Club, would oppose the resolution. “We are giving these people an open cheque to handle our affairs and we have no guarantee they will

give us what we are asking for to benefit racing,” Mr Archer said. “You’ve got to be in dreamland if you are to think this will solve the problems facing racing.” Mr Archer asked if the conference would direct its executive to set up a committee of inquiry into the conduct of racing on the lines of a regional system, with one body for the South Island and perhaps two bodies for the North Island.

Mr Hughes said he could not agree with Mr Archer’s comments. There was now a greater understanding among clubs and districts than in the past, and if the conference turned the present proposals down he would fear for the future of racing. “I think it comes down to this Mr Chairman: If you can’t beat them, join them,” said Mr Jim Brunton, the Otago Hunt Club’s veteran representative. “For the first time I feel I have to trust a politician,”

said Mr A. H. M. Maurice (Feilding Jockey Club). “But one thing that has concerned me is the need to put our own house in order. Racing has too many horses too many owners, and too many race days and I am one of many who believe that if that situation is to continue the owners will just have to pay.” With that, Mr Maurice added that he would support the resolution. Later Mr Maurice suggested that the conference might" invite Mr Highet to open its annual meeting next year, in case “he does not come up with the dough.” Mr Hughes said Mr Highet would be in his last year of office next year and his executive would consider the idea of inviting the Minister speak to the conference.

Mr Hughes said changes in the Racing Act would not bring immediate results as a time lag would exist before administrative changes became effective but the position of most clubs re-

quired positive action. Of immediate concern, Mr Hughes said, was the quantum of profit from off course betting. Mr Hughes recalled that the chairman of the T.A.B. warned clubs last year that they should not necessarily expect a higher payout, but he felt the T.A.B. chairman had intended his remarks more as a plea for clubs to carefully monitor their expenditure. The amount of profit to be distributed to clubs in November would be influenced to a large extent by the provision made to write off part of the new capital costs of the new off-course computer betting system, Mr Hughes said. “We are in a period of change when we must all think of the good of the industry on a national basis and if everyone accepts this principle we should in a short space of time be able to be proud of a revitalised and healthy thoroughbred racing industry,” said Mr Hughes.