RACING IN AMERICA

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25085, 26 December 1944, Page 5

RACING IN AMERICA

TRACKS TO BE CLOSED DEMANDS OF THE WAR (Kecd. 5.35 p.m.) 'WASHINGTON, Dec. '24 . "With Presidential approval, Mr J. "F. Bvrnes. Director of the Office of 'War;, Mobilisation, urged the .managements of all racecourses to close their tracks hy March 31, 194 H. He said that .the war situation demanded the manpower and transport now being used for raco meetings. Managements are being . urged not to resume racing on all tracks until war conditions permit. Mr Byrnes also asked the War Production Board to take steps if necessary to prevent tho use ot materials, services and transport in operating racecourses. "I am confident that track managements will act promptly without necessity to recourse to other measures." - Winter racing i- .progressing in, Florida. California, West Virginia and Louisiana. Track managements throughout the country have . indicated their willingness to accede to the Government's request. Racing had a record hetting and attendance season in 1944.

MESSAGE FROM POPE AVOIDING FUTURE WARS (Reed. 5.35 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 24 In a Christinas Eve broadcast from the Vatican radio the Pope said that while armies were pitted in a deadly struggle men of the Government were indulging in meetings, discussions and arguments which should have been decided long ago. Hope had dawned again throughout the world. , Its peoples had awakened and were standing firm against the dictators. Peopfo must be given more power in the direction of their affairs if another catastrophic war was to be avoided. International conditions, the Pop® continued, led to the conclusion that an organism which would keep peace and prevent all aggression was in the making. Guarantees, sanctions or military intervention would not bring peace to the world, His Holiness added, if reparations of war damage were imposed in the spirit of revenge. All men of goodwill must be united to build up a better world; that was the message of Christmas. The Pope made particular expression of thanks to the Lnited States for her efforts on behalf of Italy. NEW DAY OF PEACE MR ROOSEVELT'S PRAYER (Reed. 7.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Dec. 25 President Roosevelt in a Christmas broadcast voiced a prayer that with victory would come a "new day of peace on earth in which all nations of the earth will join together for all time." He added: "We cannot say when victory will come. Our enemies still fight fanatically. They still have reserves of men aud military power, but- they know that they and their. evil works are doomed. We may hasten the day of •doom if we at home continue to do our full share."