ANTIQUATED METHODS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8180, 23 July 1912, Page 9

ANTIQUATED METHODS

In conversation with three prominent southern sportsmen they expressed great surprise at what they described as the antiquated totalisator arrangements obtaining at Trentham. In tho first place, they point out a great mistake is made by not having oil tho machines housed under the one roof, proof of which is shown by the endless stream of people walking across tp the ten shillings machine, while visitors investing larger sums often delay the ticket sellers by taking numbers of single tickets, instead of visiting the £5 machine, which is in another part of the ground. Then again the method of publishing the dividends by means of a blackboard is crude in the extreme. Largo figures should be painted, and these should shoot up above the roof of the tote house in exactly the same way as the judge hoists tho numbers of the placed horses. Further, the face of the machine showing tho investments, instead of being in a recess, should project forward. This would enable the public to read the figures from an angle, which at present is impossible. It would make a verandah over tho races to the selling windows, and would have the effect of keeping these clear of loiterers, who could not sec the board from uuder-

neath. Thep again alongside of cac.. selling window there should bo lists showing the names and numbers oi the horses engaged in each race, so that people unprovided with books ca: see the number of their particuß; fancy. As one of tho Otago who, by the way, has had great experience of totalisator management, remarked “the totalisator houses want pulling down and remodelling on up-to-date lines.” Other suggestions wore also put forward by tho visitors; such, for instance., as tho alteration of the position of tho birdcage, the stationing of an ambulance in the centre of tho course while jumping races arc being run, the creation of patrol stewards, etc. The suggestions, all oi which have been tried elsewhere, were put forward by practical men with long experience' of racing, and should accordingly be worthy of considerstion. It is, of course, at all times a good rule to “hasten slowly,” and tho remodelling of the totalisator houses may not be a very urgent matter until finances are better. Such improvemonts as the better publication of the dividends, etc., might well be arranged for before the next meeting rolls round.