SIR GEORGE CLIFFORD'S ADDRESS.

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 166, 16 July 1920, Page 3

SIR GEORGE CLIFFORD'S ADDRESS.

WELLINGTON, July 15. In the course of his presidential nddrer,--* to the Racing 'Conference to-df-y Sir George Clifford said that since the establishment of the appellate- tribunal its judgments hud been unquestioned, while, its speedy and permanent r-:ettle?iient of 'dilrerencss h'td been of material advantage to rh- welfare of the turf. The past' racing year had been a . record one. Tho allowances ot; the accident fund

were far in excess of the statutory • provisions of tho Workers' Compensation Act. The general trustees were now asking for rather wider powers in order to remove any possible doubt of tho legality of the somewhat generous views, hitherto taken by them ■ of' tho scope of tho fund. The Conference might learn with some hope that certain restrictions unduly pressing, upon racing clubs would be removed Foremost amongst these was the levying of income tax upon clubs. This, however strictly legal, was morally unjust, inasmuch as special taxes of an onerous nature were by agreement imposed <ipoh clubs and horse-owners in lieu of other imposts less easy to assess. At the time of this settlement income tax wa,s not regarded as payable by them, and therefore Should not now be exacted. The prohibition of tho publication of totalisator divi- | (lends was a petty annoyance, playing into the handW 6f illegal bettinf agents, as did the refusal of permission to secretaries of clubs to receive money for investment. Provision should al?o be made for the issue of additional totalisator licenses ior growing districts when recommended .by the Conference and approved by the Minister for Internal Affairs. A general redistribution of permits, o.s was sometimes suggested would lead to confusion and widespread dissa+isfaction, and was scarcely practicable..