RACING CLUBS AND WAR

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 47, 23 February 1917, Page 2

RACING CLUBS AND WAR

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT.

Speaking ,011 the subject of totalisator permits during the war period, the Hon. G. W. Russell (Minister of Internal Affairs) ■'has made the following statement: — "Several...racing clubs in New Zealand, ono at Cheviot, another at Kaikoura, a third, I think,-, in Central Otago; and a Hunt Club, in Canterbury, have notified the Government that they do not propose to race while the war is on, and in each case they have asked whether they, would by this course forfeit their right to a permit for the use of the totalis&tor when the war is over. In no case has any pledge or promise been, given by the Government, except this, that the closing, down of the rape meeting during the .war, which I, as Minister for Internal Affairs, heartily appreciate and congratulate them upon, will not prejudice their right to a totalisator permit after the war is over Of course, you understand that no Minister can pledge the -Government as to the ii.v.ie of toudisator permits for any future year. The permits arc given from year to year, and circumstances might render it very desirable that a totalisator permit should bo extinguished. There might bo misconduct in connection with race mostings oc other reasons, or Parliament miglit dctennino to alter tho Jaw and go in for ■severe \regidations. I would , like to say that this matter of racing is receiving tho very serious consideration of Cabinet. The racing season for this year will not end until 31st July, and at tho beginning of the year it was decided that during the present.racing season the racing should go on'as usual. I cannot say any more about it than that that was tho decision of Cabinet; but bofore next racing ecason, which begins on Ist August, tho whole question of the reduction of permits will receive tho most careful consideration of.Cabinet."