THE GOVERNMENT AND RACING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17334, 24 November 1916, Page 6

THE GOVERNMENT AND RACING.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Surely you must, think that " hope springs eternal in the reformer's breast," because yon remarked in your article on "Racing in War Time" that you had expected many more letters agaiiist racing to bo sent in during Carnival Week. Now, sir, when the Government takes 10 per cent from the gambling turnover, issues leaflets before the Carnival Week advertising the races, ami the special facilities it is providing in the way of excursion fares, what sort of optimism does a former require in order to see any use in protesting? Then, on one race day we see a small army of policemen—twelve in number —immaculate in. th© latest white helmets, evidently also provided by the Government, in its tender care for this money-making sport. Now, hardly are we through with our week of merry making and gambling under Government encouragement than the Government lias, issued us fresh papers, advertising the races at Timani, and encouraging us to go by offering excursion fares, and yet this same Government, in other moods, has asked us if we realise the seriousness of this war, and has pleaded with us not to lot the supply of recruits fall behind. Enough said.— l am, ek'., SINCERITY.