SPORT IN JEOPARDY

Feilding Star, Volume 9, Issue 3678, 23 March 1932, Page 6

SPORT IN JEOPARDY

Racing Clubs Face Crisis BURDEN OF TAXATION STATE DRAIN OX FINANCES URGENT NEED OF RELIEF Wellington, March 22. Ritciug In New Zealand at the present time is passing through a difficult stage and the sustained fall in revenue derived from the totalisator and other sources inis placed many clubs on tlie verge of bankruptcy. Unless relief is given from the heavy burden of taxation under which the sport is labouring, the embarrassments that face some clubs

and tlieir guarantors will mean extinction. Tlie strain of taxation is aggravated 'during tlie present season by tlie acute depression, and the position generally is causing the racing authorities of New Zealand very grave concern. I-ast year 72 racing clubs suffered a total loss of £50.182 and 20 trotting clubs lost £19.445. a total of £75,027. Eighteen racing clubs made, a profit of £2904 and six trotting clubs made £IOOB. a total of £5032. The current racing year still lias some four months to run, but the osition is considerably worse. .Tlie majority of meetings have been run at a loss and those who have escaped disaster have been fortunate to come out square or with tlie smallest of profits.