GREYHOUND RACING

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 85, 9 January 1928, Page 14

GREYHOUND RACING

REPLY TO CRITICS BY PROTECTION ASSOCIATION London, January 6. Tho Greyhound Racing Protection Association in a statement declares that the opposition campaign is hypocritical and is based on unfounded allegations, which it challenges its opponents to substantiate. Mr. J. H. Thomas’s charges, made when he headed a deputation to Sir William Joynson-Hicks, are also refuted. In the opinion of the police, greyhound racing Tas proved a blessing to the community, notably because it has reduced the evils of streetcorner betting on horses. “Wo are prepared to support a Bill stopping child-betting, provided it applies to horse racing and other sports,” says the Greyhound Racing Association, “but shall resist unequal treatment to greyhound racing.” — Sydney “Sun” Cable.

NOT ALLOWED IN CRYSTAL PALACE GROUNDS London, January 6. The trustees of the Crystal Palace, in a statement, says that in view of the overwhelming opposition to greyhound racing they will not allow the Crystal Palace grounds to bo used for the purpose. BATTLE COMING IN HOUSE OF COMMONS OPPOSITION OF LOCAL BODIES (Rec. January 8, 5.5 p.m.) London, January 6. Mechanical greyhound coursing is at present the centre of bitter warfare between its supporters and opponents. Extraordinary reaction set in following the boom at the end of last year, when tracks were springing up like mushrooms. The abandonment of the Crystal Palace track was the first big victory of tho opponents. The decision was forced on the trustees by the overwhelming opposition of the City of London Corporation and the London County Council. Mr. J. H. Thomas's attack on the sport helped to swing a body of opinion which formerly was non-committal. The Greyhound Association officially declines to regard the Crystal Palaeo decision as a serious setback and says the increasing popularity, will not be arrested by the mere rejection of one or two localities. Tho House of Commons will be the venue of the next battle. A committee of members of the House of Commons and the churches announce that they will fight the sport to. the uttermost and are preparing their case, at the request of the Home Secretary, who has promised a statement in the House of Commons on February 7. It is expected a Bill will be prepared, empowering the local authorities to veto greyhound racing. Furthermore, a fionforence will shortly be held at which Bishops and other prominent persons will speak. Tho Greyhound Association has taken up the challenge to protect investments totalling three millions by tho formation of a greyhound protection society. . , , The Hendon Council to-day rejected track plans, thereby joining the Northampton, Newcastle. Swansea, Btistol, Wolverhampton, Chester, Reading, Ramsgate, and Isle of Man and several London suburbs. Jhe sport is entirely banned in Spain.