TOTALISATOR PERMITS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15747, 23 October 1914, Page 7

TOTALISATOR PERMITS.

QUESTION OF ALLOCATION.

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER.

NO POLITICAL BIAS.

[by telegraph.—press association-.]

Wellington-, Thursday. A deputation, representing the Country Racing Clubs' Association, waited upon the Hon. H. D. Bell, Minister for Internal Affairs, with reference to the allocation of additional totalisator permits available under the Gaming Amendment Act, 1914. Those present were the Hon. W. H. Herries, Mr. 1). H. Guthrie, M.P., Mr. E. W. Alison, and Mr. Bruce, president of the association.

Mr. Bruce said that if the permits available were restored to the clubs which previously had permits, an act of justice would be done which no one would find fault with. If it had not been for the agitation kept up by these clubs Mr. Hunter's Bill would probably not have been passed.

Mr. Alison said it was felt that an injustice had been done to country clubs by the recommendation of the Racing Commission. Wow that 15 permits were available it was felt by the association that, subject to the clubs which bad previously held permits being still in existence, and to the whole of the surrounding circumstances justifying such a step, the permits generally should be restored to them. They asked that the association should have a voice in the allocation of the 15 new licences.

The Hon. H. 1). Bell, in reply, stated that the position under the Bill was that every application must be considered. Applications would be received from any club desirous of applying. He agreed generally with the points presented by the association, and was grateful for their"offer of assistance. What the Government had arranged was this: No permits would be granted until after the 'general election. Ho could not have it imputed to the Government that the grants" were " jobbed " in any way. An advertisement would appear in the Gazette and Referee, and applications would be invited from clubs that desired to advance their claims, up to December 10, after which no applications would be received. He had asked a member from each side of the House—Air G Huntov and Mr. T. H. Davev— also represented two islands, to go round and see the courses and give him general advice He wo ild also ask the Racing Conference for advice, and would similarly [consult the Trotting Conference. Hunt [ clubs he would have to deal with himself. He would pay attention to what their association recommended, but the ultimate aecision must be with the Minister. He had taken the course which seemed best to get rid of political bias, and in a multitude of counsellors he hoped to arrive at a air solution Hi could not give the absolute right of guidance to the association an v more than to the Trotting Conference, but he would naturally be guided by pconle of experience.