RAGING AND WAR

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 50, 28 February 1942, Page 9

RAGING AND WAR

PROPOSED REDUCTION

EDITORIAL VIEWS

The statement of the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr. Parry) regarding the proposal to reduce the number of racing and trotting days is the subject of editorial com-

ment in several newspapers,

"The intention of the Government to have the number of days devoted to racing and trotting reduced will be widely approved," says the "New Zealand Herald." "Indeed, many people would prefer something more forthright and decisive than the hesitant, almost apologetic, statement the Minister Of Internal Affairs has made. It has never been denied by those who have, almost with despair, seen crowds flocking to the racecourses while the country is involved in the most desperate war in history that difficulties stood, and to some extent still stand, in the way of curtailment. A great many people depend for a livelihood on ; the maintenance of the sport. Its complete abolition would cause considerable disruption, and much actual hardship, Nevertheless, a calendar which allowed 240 days.of racing and 80 of trotting was obviously ripe for reduction. The abandonment of weekday meetings since the opening of the calendar year, and some country fixtures in addition, has produced a certain degree of curtailment. With the example of South Australia, where all racing is to cease after tomorrow.! and with totalisator investments in New Zealand touching a new record in 1941, it cannot be disputed that a greater, cut must be made. If the Government faced the issue squarely, said definitely how much reduction there must be, and called on the conferences to adjust themselves to the new order, its action would be fully justified and generally endorsed." SOME CONTRASTS. "Racing in South Australia has been totally banned, and betting shops are to be closed," says the "Auckland Star." "In New Zealand the Minister of Internal Affairs has proposed to the racing and trotting authorities a curtailment of 25 per cent. The contrast is startling, though the conditions in South Australia and the Dominion are perhaps not strictly comparable. No one has yet suggested a prohibition of racing in New Zealand; but it is certain that public sentiment on the question of curtailment is running ahead of the Minister's. The public has it in mind that when, for reasons of war, the Government thought it necessary to cut down the consumption of petrol by stopping the issue of coupons to private motorists, it did so, although it knew that to some of them, and also, and especially, to the resellers of petrol, its decision would cause hardship. The public also has it in mind that when, for reasons of war, the Government thought it necessary to mobilise the National Military Reserve, it did so, though it knew that again its decision would cause hardship. The community supported the Government in both these actions. The same community will regard with impatience the contrast offered by the excessive solicitude shown by the Government to the Racing Conferences, and,the implied, suggeston .that a 'cut' of 25 per cent, in racing at this time would be a fearful blow at the wellbeing of New Zealand. Mr. Parry affirms that his meetings with them *have always been notable for their cordiality.' The community would be .more impressed if .the same meetings had been notable for decision. Even now, it appears from, the Minister's statement, he is having difficulty in inducing the Trotting Conference to reduce its racing days by 25 per cent. Why,doesn't he stop sending 'further communications,' and take the responsibility of signing an order?"