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Hokitika Guardian, 11 August 1928, Page 2

The racing world is much perturbed os a result of the announcement in the Budget refusing any reduction in racing taxation. The only gleam of hope is some mention of a graduated tax to relieve the smaller clubs, but this would mean profitting by the loss of the larger clubs which after all are the backbone" of both racing and trotting. Hon Downio Stewart, in liiis discourse on the subject of racing taxation, did not state the case as clearly as he might. Either he still misunderstands tho application of the racing taxation, or he is being misled by his advisers who should lie an fait with the position. It is a fact that many clubs are existing only by a struggle, and that the burden of taration is the chief cause of their difficulties. Tho fact that some relief was felt when the Government gave a rebate of 1J per cent of the totolisator tax up to £20,(X)0 turn-over, is an indication of where the shoe pinches, and what might be done further in that direction to afford relief which is certainly needed. Several of tlie racing and trotting heads have reviewed and criticised the statement of the Minister of Finance on the subject, and the clearest review is probably' from Mr H. F. Nicoll, the President of the New Zealand Trotting Association. He has stated that if the present rebate were increased from £250 to £SOO the advantages would be to relieve many clubs now suffering severely. He estimates this would cost only £26,000, and as the Government is receiving about half a million annually in racing taxation it is not a large demand to make. Other ways in which the Clulis have long sought relief is to receive money for investment on the totalisator by telegram, a practice which incidentally is expected to go some way towards suppressing the bookmaker. As to the graduated tax, it is not a new proposal, but- the Clubs have never been unanimous on the proposal, as it is feared the effect would he rather adverse to those larger clubs which .by their enterprise are able to do so much for the general benefit of the sport. There is sure to be continued pressure on the Government to have the present racing taxation reviewed and eased. .