TAXES ON RACING

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9096, 15 July 1915, Page 10

TAXES ON RACING

PROTEST FROM COUNTRY CLUBS. A deputation representing the country racing clubs of both islands interviewed the Hon. W H. Herries yesterday, to protest against the high taxation imposed upon the cluhs. The delegates were introduced by Mr J. Colvin, M.P.. and Mr T. W. Rhodes. M.P. Mi- A. Bruce, president of the Country Racing Clubs' Association, said tbit the denotation wished to protest aga'ret the high taxation that thad been imposed upon country racing elute. A portion of the cost of the battleship New. Zealand had been placed upon the clubs, and the burden borne by racing men bad gone up considerably. The clubs objected to the special tax of 24 per cent, on. the gross takings at race meetings, irrespective of whether the club made a profit or not. This tax was regarded as unjust, and it had the effect of reducing stakes- The clubs did not object to the totalisa tor tax, but they asked that the other taxation should be levied only on profits. The Minister, in reply, said that he would place the matter before his colleagues. He was very anxious to do all in his power to assist the country racing clubs, which ought to be encouraged. They had hehaved in a very generous and patriotic fashion in making large contributions to the patriotic funds and in placing their courses and buildings at the disposal of the Defence Department.