TROTTING INTERESTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21906, 15 September 1934, Page 14

TROTTING INTERESTS

GAMING AMENDMENT BILL TRAINING ON GRASS TRACK There was a large attendance of members of the Auckland Trotting Owners, Trainers and Breeders' Association at the special meeting held last night to discuss the Gaming Amendment Bill now before Parliament. Dr. M. G. Pezaro presided and after the question had been fully discussed the following resolution, 'to be forwarded to Auckland members of Parliament, was carried unanimously: "That this meeting, representative of the Auckland and provincial trotting owners, trainers, breeders and general supporters of the sport, gives its wholehearted support to the Gaming Amendment Bill now before Parliament. The meeting feels that this bill, while not offending the section of the public opposed to racing, will definitely lead to the advancement of the sport and the future prosperity of racing clubs. It will lead to increased totalisator revenue and put through the machine money that is now diverted to illegal channels." The chairman raised the question of further training facilities at Alexandra Park, Epsom, on the grass track, and his views were generally endorsed by all present. The following resolution was carried: "That the Auckland Trotting Club be respectfully requested to open the grass track at least one day a week a month before each race meeting, the day to be left to the discretion of the club's track committee. This association feels that the Auckland trainers are at a great disadvantage compared with Otahuhu, Takanini and provincial trainers and is of the opinion that the restricted use of the grass track at Epsom is driving trainers away from Auckland to the provincial tracks." The question of parades for two-vear-okl horses was discussed and it was decided to ask the Auckland Cricket Association to permit a parade to be held in conjunction with the carnival at Epsom on December 1 and that a similar request be made to the Auckland Trotting Club for its summer meeting.