RACING REFORMS

Evening Star, Issue 18331, 19 July 1923, Page 5

RACING REFORMS

" TOTE " PERMITS AND DIVIDENB

PUBLICATION.

QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT.

[FbOM Qua PAnLIAMEKTAUX EBPOBTEtt.]

WELLINGTON, July 38, Three interesting questions about til# gaming laws wore answered by tho Hon, R. F. Bollard (Minister of Internai Affairs).

“ Is it the intention of tho Govern* merit,” asked Mr Bell, “to bring down legislation this session dealing with the issue of extra totaiisalor permits, and to lake into special consideration tho paramount claims of those clubs that nave not permits at the present timo?” It was pointed out by the Minister that legislation on tho subject is in course of preparation by the Law Drafting Office. “ Will the Government' repeal tiio absurd clause which prevents tho publ'cation of totalisator dividends?” asked Mr Witty. In reply. Mr Bollard pointed out that a Gaming Dill will bo introduced this year which will enable the question to bo submitted to tho House, if it la not expressly dealt with in the Bill.

It was suggested to tho Minister by Mr Horn (Wakatipu) that baokblock racing clu,b,s have had to double thoir members fees and increase their dharges for entrance by 500 per cent, bi order to continue thoir race meetings. Therefore tho questioner asked the Minister to intimata if ho proposes a reduction of country clubs’ taxes, and, if so, when that reduction will take effect?

Mr Bollard replied : This matter is being given careful consideration; but it is pointed out that a reduction of OOJB* pulsory taxes wliich press heavily on th# earning power of tho whole community must receive first attention.