THE RACING REPORT

Evening Star, Issue 17792, 14 October 1921, Page 5

THE RACING REPORT

PRIME MINISTER MEETS CHURCH DEPUTATION. HOUSE WILL DECIDE. [Per United Pnrni Association.) WELLINGTON, October 14. The Prime Minister, replying to a deputation from religious bodies in reference to the Racing Commission's report, said that personally bn had so far only seen a summary of the report; but whatever might bo thought of it, there could bo no doubt that itdvns a very important report. The duty of the Government was to submit it to Parliament some time during the present session, and it would not bo made a parU question. Every member would vote just as lie felt inclined, and without any interference on the part of tho Government* It was qirlo right that it was suggested that theje should' be an increase an the number of race days: but there was an important aspect to Iks remembered —these additional days were..for country districts where there were no meetings now; and at tho same time % it wain suggested that some ot tho clubs in tho centres of population should bo abolished. Tho effect of that, be thought, would be. to decrease gambling. He was not an advocate of gambling, .and, personally, he would rather see the sport of hor.se racing carried on. without it. He was not sanguine about the rocomrnendalims „nf the Commission going through tho lbume as they appeared at present; but the, duty of the Government was perfectly dear. It had to lay the report mi dm table aml ask the Ho’uro to agree or disagree with it, ami the Government would have to abide i>y the House's decision.