LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3060, 23 April 1917, Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

THE CURTAILMENT OF HORSE RACING : - A SUGGESTION.

Sir,— Jfridi lias been written for and against racing durins war time, and if tllo writers had confined themselves to what 1V»8 witliin their knowledge, no doubt a great deal of good would have been deduced from their opinions. Nearly all those who have written on the subject have, I think, missed the main object for curtailing racing- lhat iniiny inert would bo drarteu 01 ™. ot facing stables for the ranks, is, I tK." lk, admitted as highly improbable. As iegafds those who attend races, the ballot; if they are eligible, will put them in their place; The greatest reason for curtailment is the general opinion of the public that in these times there should be a reduction of the pleasures that in oYdraaVy times are enjoyed by one and all without offending anyone except "wowsers" There are. a' great many of us with sons, brothers, husbands, and relations all fighting for the liberty of nations, and many havo lost thoße dearest, to them; All these feel that some consideration should be given to them in their anxiety and sorrow,- and it is only right the public; s'h'oiild" conform to their desires. The compliancfe with such an idea is nothing new. If 6ne person having, say, a lawn tennis ground alongside a. neighbour, found that playing on Sundays annoyed his neighbour, he would doubtless give tip playing. Therefore, Why not curtail , racing, which annoys inaiiyP By oilly. keeping the best meetings going, and thus not materially affecting those who have spent' largo.. sums in importing the best blood in mares and sires, little injury, would be done, and the Dominion as regards the raising of horses would not bo damaged. Let some body,, not political in any shape or form, be appointed to decide what meetings aro to be hold. If they do.their duty they will undoubtedly keep the best racing going. I can think of no better plan than that the. Metropolitan Club 'of each district should call all tbo country clubs in their district' together, and discuss what clubs should continue racing. Doubtless the discontinuation of racing would mean ruin to some clubs. \.ny apparent injustice could easily he overcome by the- metropolitan clubs providing funds sufficient to keep courses and buildings in order/ and pay interest on mortgages until this cursed war is over. Let the Government face the position from a sensible point of view, not from a political one. Such an alteration as I suggest would, after all, only bo a nine days' wonder. . I feel sure even tboso opposed to curtailment would, after consideration, recognise at least the fairness of the scheme pro P osed.--la m ,etc lLßx]j(?YL] - Christchurch, April 21.