RACECOURSE BETTING

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 22 April 1935, Page 5

RACECOURSE BETTING

TOTAL ISATOR BAROMETERS POPULAR IN AUSTRALIA NEW PLANT FOR RTCCARTON

The opinion that the totalisator accommodation on Yictorian racecourses was not so good as that in the principal centres in New Zealand has been formed by Mr A. M’Donald Smith, totalisator supervisor for the Canterbury Jockey Club. He returned last week from a seven weeks’ visit to Melbourne and Sydney. The object of his visit was to see the new barometer type of totalisator working. One of these new machines is to bo installed at Riccarton.

Mr Smith said that lie visited the Flemiugtoii, Caulfield, Mooneo Valley and Ascot courses. Three years ago when the totalisators were installed, there was a certain amount of opposition to them. The result was that although the most modern machines were installed, they were not located in the most convenient position for the public. The introduction of the machines, however, proved so popular that it was found necessary to increase the accommodation. In practically’ every case the ticket-issuing machines had to be increased by oO per cent, and the calculating device had to he adjusted accrordingly. At the Caulfield course thousands of pounds had been spent in installing ticket-issuers on the main members stand for the use of members’ wives. An elaborate lounge had been built, and all the appointments were of the best. “They do not go in for halfmeasures there,” said Mr Smith. “When they want something they go for it.” There were no barometer types of totalisator in use at the present time in New South Wales, but by the time of the spring meeting at Randwiek all the existing automatic totalisator equipment would have been scrapped and a modern hfarometer type installed at a cost of £35,000. The contract for that work would probably run into more than £35,000, probably £40,000. At Randwiek there were now three dividends, paid for the three enclosures, but it was intended in the future to have one common pool, the same system as is operating in Victoria and in New Zealand.

“I think the popularity of the totalisator in Victoria, which offers very strong opposition to the bookmakers, is due to the barometer type of machine, which shows the (approximate dividend to be paid on every horse in the race,” said Mr Smith. “The barometer’s face is easily read and the system is a vast • improvement.”

The equipment for the new totalisator at Riccarton was to he delivered during May, and the installation would be commenced immediately after the Easter meeting. The system would be in operation by tne time of the August meeting, when race goer’s would have the opportunity of testing it for themselves.