RESTRICTIONS ON TROTTING

Evening Star, Issue 25226, 13 July 1944, Page 3

RESTRICTIONS ON TROTTING

TIME FOR REVISION OVERDUE CONFERENCE PRESIDENT'S VIEWS (Special.) WELLINGTON, July 13. The restrictions imposed on the sport of trotting and racing were discussed by Mr H. F. Nicoll, president, at the conference of New Zealand trotting clubs this morning. "We are at the present time undoubtedly suffering from restrictive and unsympathetic treatment by some authorities—not, I am pleased to testify, by the Department of Internal Affairs, which recognises that trotting, and our sister sport, racing, are essential entertainment industries, but it does appear to me that the Government, as a whole, is under a eerious misapprehension as to the spirit of the people in their great desire for the opportunity to enjoy, in their spare time, the branch of sport which most appeals to them," he said. "That trotting should have been curtailed in the number of permits was, perhaps, inevitable, but whether it was necessary is quite an. open question which, if given the opportunity, the conference could have brought forward many sound arguments to controvert. " It must be remembered that in 1939 we only had permits to race on 80 days, which was entirely inadequate fr the demand, both by the public and from those engaged in the sport. Last year the 80 days were reduced to 40, and although the executive had made repeated and urgent representations to the Government for extra permits, and with incontestable arguments, all that was allotted to us, in January this year, was five additional days. " An analysis of the trotting permits exemplifies amazing restrictions we are suffering. This season we had permits to race on 45 days only, including eight for patriotic funds. These were as follows: — Three on Labour Day, three on Boxing Day, one on New Year's Day, one on Easter Monday, and one on the King's Birthday; three other permits were used during the Christmas recess. On seven Saturdays two clubs raced on the same date, so that we find there were no trotting meetings held anywhere in the Dominion on 25 Saturdays during the past season. It is incredible that such a state of affairs should exist, and the executive has brought this aspect to the attention of the Minister of Internal Affairs. We cannot but believe that Cabinet, when it further considers our plight, will grant -as substantial relief. The report by the Koyal Commission of 1921-22, reported that '"With regard to trotting, the evidence fs abundant. Since 1910 the sport of trotting had vastly increased in popularity, and facilities for its enjoyment are being clamoured for from one end of the Dominion to .the other." The truth of that statement was more evident to-day han ever before, said Mr Nicoll. The popularity of trotting had developed enormously : since that report was issued, and he went on to refer to the great difficulties facing the Dates Committee in its allocations under the conditions now ruling. It had endeavoured to overcome the obstacles to the recognition of " the people's sport. " Our clubs since 1939 have been carrying on the sport almost entirely for the benefit of the Dominion," declared the President. "This is a fact which the following particulars will demonstrate:—We have contributed £IOO,000 to War Loans, many thousands of pounds have been donated to patriotic funds, and approximately £BOO,OOO has been paid in taxation to the Government,

" Many of our racecourses have been lent free of all cost to the Government for defence purposes, and although the clubs in doing 60 have suffered monetary loss as well as great inconvenience, they have granted these privileges gladly and with the whole-hearted idea of giving all the assistance that is within their power towards the furtherance of the Dominion's war effort. Clubs have suffered restraints, impediments, and frustration without protest or complaint because they believed that there was reason for their deprivation and that they were thereby helping the common cause. That belief was correct in 1941-42; the Dominion was in peril of invasion at that time and no sacrifice could be too great if it was to be of assistance; but today the position has immensely altered and the Dominion is in quite a different situation. Surely this may be recognised, and, since alleviations are being granted in other directions, are not we entitled to some

measure of relief? We have done, and are doing, all that is possible to lend our aid; we know it has been substantial and effective, and has been of benefit to the Government.

" As I look ove,r the last few years it is very clear how increasingly, justified has been our persistent plea for the retention of racing days within our war-time economy —not only for the financial aspect, but also for the important psychological benefit it has bestowed," concluded Mr Nicholl. " It must be remembered that health is not merely a matter of body; cheerfulness, good humour, and a change of environment are powerful ingredients. The conservation of these elements is ever more essential under the present-day conditions in which we are living, and will prepare us more usefully to take our part as citizens in the new world, for which the United Nations are engaged in such a mighty conflict."