Racing Conference And Gaming Commission

Northern Advocate, 16 July 1948, Page 3

Racing Conference And Gaming Commission

By far the most important event of the year so far as racing and trotting was concerned was the report of the Gaming Commission. Five of the seven submissions placed before it by the executive of the New Zealand- Racing Conference were favourably received. They were: That the present administration and control of racing is approved by most racing people and should not be interfered with.

That racing clubs are very definitely opposed to the licensing of bookmakers. 9 That the conference and clubs are in favour of giving the off-course public some means of betting on the totalisator.

That authority to operate a doubles totalisator is needed.

That there should be no prohibition in publication of dividends.

The submission regarding additional totalisator permits was not recommended, while that concerning taxation was modified .

These comments are made by the president of the conference (Mr H. R. Chalmers) in his annual report.

On the whole, the commission’s report must be considered satisfactory, Mr Chalmers says, although two suggestions made by the commission—the appointment of a Racing Advisory Board and the approval by the Minister of the appointment of any totalisator supervisor involve outside interference with the domestic control of individual clubs.

CLASHING OF DATES A few postponements on account of wet weather and the fact that racing, in the main, is confined to Saturdays and public holidays, entailed a certain' amount of clashing of dates during the past season. As a general rule, however, clubs realise that this is unavoidable and have accepted the decisions of the New Zealand Racing Conference in a sporting spirit, Mr Chalmers continues. He advises clubs to get their houses in order while totalisator turn-overs are showing consistent increases. While building permits are unobtainable due to the housing shortage, he considers that clubs should set aside funds for building programmes. Pleasure is expressed at improved catering facilities provided.