ABUNDANCE OF BUSINESS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 80, 1 October 1938, Page 23

ABUNDANCE OF BUSINESS

Wintry weather has reduced attendances at race meetings recently in Victoria, but those closely associated with the business state that financially it is as sound as ever, says a Melbourne exchange. Leading bookmakers report an abundance of business, but say that results have favoured backers.

Dissatisfaction has been expressed by competent judges concerning ...{the, vagaries of form, and it is suggested that at times everything in races is not what it should be. They go so far as to say that the stipendiary stewards, while severe on careless riding and other misdemeanours, are pverlooking more serious breaches. '"

As in New South Wales, taxation is a keenly-discussed topic, especially by backers who have to pay tax on bets of £5 and upwards and by bookmakers, who are responsible for the collection of this tax and payment of all their other dues. It is estimated that the layers are* left with the payment of the punter's tax in 30 per cent, of the wagers.

Annual reports by racing clubs denote a very healthy financial position, und the V.A.T.C. continues to improve its already adequate and upto-date course at Caulfield.