SPORT ON SUNDAYS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 117, 11 February 1936, Page 6

SPORT ON SUNDAYS

Council Discussion on Whippet Racing

A decision that permits to hold whippet races ou Sundays be granted when applied for was made at the meeting of the Lower Hutt Borough Council last night, after the views of a deputation from the Whippet Racing Association and a lengthy discussion by the council had been heard. The deputation comprised Mr. R. Coxon, Mr L’.l H. Bandall. and the association’s solicitor, Mr, 8. G. Stephenson, Addressing the council, Mr. Stephenson said his clients agreed it waa proper that the sport should be licensed, but they were very much concerned at the possible suggestion that there should be an absolute ban on Sunday racing. It was purely an amateur sport, and- the members never knew-of it creating a nuisance. As the organiser of the club concerned, he had been engaged in the sport for eight years, said Mr. Coxon. The ground at Waiwetu, where the racing was held, was practically isolated from houses, and he had heard no complaints about the sport. Mr. Randall also affirmed that he had not heard any complaints. Cr. M. Macaskill: How many members has this club? Mr. Coxon: The Port Nicholson Club, from Wellington, 40 members. How many of that 40 live in Lower Hutt?—“No morp than about 20.” How many do you get in attendance?— “There were 500 at our championship meeting.” “Do you charge fbr admission?” asked Cr. AV. Cole. ' “No, it is all free,” said .Mr. Coxon, who mentioned that the Minister of Finance had .presented the trophy at one Saturday meeting) Mr. Coxon denied a suggestion by Cr. J. Mitchell that there was “two-up” At the ground. “I can give that an emphatic ’denial,” he said. Referring to the legal aspect, Mr. Stephenson expressed the opinion that it might not be possible for the council to prohibit Sunday , racing. He mentioned that the Wellington City Council had introduced a ’by-law prohibiting the Sunday ■playing of golf on its links, but the Full Court had held it to be invalid. When Mr. Stephenson was elaborating on the legal position, Cr. J. Mitchell claimed it was a waste of time, because the council had its own solicitor.

Cr. ,W. B. Rainey objected to Cr. Mitchell’s remarks, saying Mr.-Stephenson had been asked to give an opinion. Cr. O. J. Ashton asked how the club got its revenue for the trophies. Mr. Coxon that that was got from entrance fees. “Any totalisator?” inquired Cr, Mitchell. “No, sir.” When 1 the deputation withdrew, Cr. Rainey said the council should give permission to the particular club to race until the council'received a definite complaint. He moved accordingly, <Cr. P. Dowse seconding the motion. Cr.,Macaskill said he himself had heard complaints that the noise and attendant distraction was distasteful. He was definitely against the i otion. The Mayor, Mr. J. W. Andrews, said he doubted if the council could successfully ban Sunday -racing, and reminded councillors of what happened in the golfing case.

Cr. C. J. Ashton said the cases were not parallel ones. Whippet racing was for cash prizes, which made the sport professional.

“They don’t play golf for nothing,” said Cr. Rainey. Cr. Ashton: Well, I have heard of the 19t.h hole. (Laughter). Cr. R. M. Russell said there was no nuisance at the golf links. He used to live alongside them. The Mayor: You couldn’t hear the language? (Laughter.) As an amendment, Cr. Mitchell moved that no meetings be held on Sundays, and Cr. Macaskill seconded. . The amendment was defeated, and the decision to grand permits when applied for waa carried by four votes to three.