DIFFICULT TIMES

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 109, 11 May 1933, Page 8

DIFFICULT TIMES

PLEA FOR CENTRALISATION

(Special to "The Evenlnj Post") CHRISTCHURCH, This Jay. One effect of the present economic, position is that country racing clubs are finding it increasingly' difficult to carry on. With falling revenue, they have been compelled to reduce their stakes from the old-time level, and as the cost of keeping and travelling horses has not dropped, owners have been forced into curtailing their operations. Mr. G. N. McLean, the president of the Amberley Racing Club, when, asked for his views on the meeting held by his club. oh Saturday, had some interesting continent to make on the position. He left' no 'room "for doubt' that he wag, a strong advocate of the centralisation ot racing, as the only solution of a difficult problem. • ■ ■ ■ SOONER THE BETTER. "The sooner the centralisation, of racing comes about,"said Mr. McLean, "the tetter it will be for all concerned. The lesuli of our meeting' last Saturday was very disappointing, in view of the fact' that after responding to the ' call of- owners for increased stakes, the club did not receive the anticipated support. I» con-. sequence of this, the club will chow - a considerable loss on the meeting; ■ "My. own opinion," continued Mr.: McLean, "is that the days of the . pwnic meetings in .the country arc gone. Some town. folk no. doubt do enjoy them, but the people to whom, they appeal are not numerous enough ,to enable the. country clubs to ..eke out an existence. ■■ "Years' ago many horses were. trained in the country towns, and they ..created interest amdng/ local people. Today all the horses owned in North Canterbury are at Riccarton. ' Under: these conditions it is more reasonable to allow theni to race there, : instead of forcing owners to ■ send their horses away, under. heavy railway charges and at considerable risk, to raco on country courses. UNDER MODERN TRANSPORT* "Most of the people in.the country who go racing own motor-cars, and they djjii reach metropolitan courses^ with ' lrt*' trouble than was involved in patronising locijt: meetings years.ago Under horse, and gig-transport. In addition, they can have the benefits of good courses, with ample grandstand accommodation and all the families provided by a metropolitan club, an'important1 consideration if the weather is viinfavoitrablo.- ■ ■ "Tfie Railways Board is doing its share; though unintentionally, to assist the centralisation of racing by its short-sighted policy of failing to meet owners', by reducing .'freight charges;during these difficult times." . In. concluding his interesting comment, Mr. McLean suggested that country clubs sliould'be granted permission, by the Government and' the Racing. Conference, to race. on metropolitan courees if • they wiiihea, provided they paid a pcrcentago, of the. revenue to tfbe metropolitan club.' Such ah" arrangement would mean a great saying in the upkeep of buildings and courses. It would-'also 'enable country, clubs, which- otherwise may soon go but of existence, to retain their identity, while: providing a- great deal ■of pleasure to the public, as well as a living to many people and a substantial revenue to the Government.'.1 ...■>■■ '. '