RACING AND ITS BURDENS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20651, 25 August 1930, Page 12

RACING AND ITS BURDENS.

Sir, —In recent weeks many of the h:|*hest officials of racing and trotting control throughout tho Dominion have publicly protested against the taxation levied on the sport. Their remarks carry the weight, of experience' and therefore command attention. May I suggest as a means of relieving the position, that the finances and activities of the various clubs be reviewed in a businesslike manner.. By this I mean that, attention be seriously given to the ratio of overhead expense compared with revenue. The latter is, by reason of restriction of permits, a limited quantity, and the overhead charges have, become noticeably oppressive on the finances "f those clubs possessed of fewer than four racing days in the year. There are scores of these small clubs which cannot stand up to tiie taxation now imposed, and if steps are not taken to alleviate their position, they must assuredly lose strength, and in some instances may become dofunct. Additional permits mean an increase in racing and. trotting operations, and it is open to question whether this is desirable. The other course, that of merging the small clubs, and so reducing the heavy burden of overhead and maintenance expense, should now receive tho consideration of the controlling body, who, instead of seeking reduction >-! taxes, should first, make an effort to lessen the cost of activities, so as to meet all taxation demands. An instance of merging has just occurred in this city, the operation being unanimously approved by the members of both clubs, though they were far removed from the minor clan now under discussion. llow much more beneficial must this process be to those small clubs now straggling to meet their liabilities on the operation of, say, two days in the year. This process might with advantage be applied to clubs of tho standing.of. say, Avondale and Takapuna. Can it be said'that their amalgamation would not make for their greater strength and the provision of improved facilities for the members and public? C'.F.S. '