MORE RACING

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10951, 13 July 1921, Page 5

MORE RACING

THE PERMITS QUESTION REFERENCE AT THE TROTTING CONFERENCE “OUR CLAIMS RECOGNISED.” Speaking at the Trotting Conference yesterday, jVtr John Rowe said! As you are aware* since we last/ met, the Legislature his had under consideration the question of an increase of totolisator licenses, and has appointed a Royal Commission to report on the matter. The report is not yet to hand, but I feel assured that when we receive it it will do tardy, but well-merited justice, to our claim for increased days of trotting. As one of those who took an active part in placing our oase before the members of the House individually, I may inform you that we were in almost every instance well received, and when the matter wa® under discussion in the shape of Sir Georgo Hunter’s bill, the voting clearly showed that our claims were recognised. “There have been quite a number of new clubs formed in prosperous and populous "districts, in the hope of obtaining the permit necessary to enable them to put forward strong programmes. and so encourage the breeding industry in areas in which it has only started, and in which it is likely to languish, without some local trying ground for t-he stock produced. There are, m all, at present, twelve strong clubs which have raced this season without totalisator license ; I trust that I will not be able to say the same when the next conference comes round.” AN ACCUSATION OBJECTED TO. Mr Rowe spoke of the good wotlc done by Sir George Hunter when tlio Gaming Bill was before Parliament. Ho said that a circular letter sent out on tho subject by Mr Bruce, of the Country Racing Clubs’ Conference, was a tissue of inaccuracies. Members of Parliament had assured Mr Rowe that Mr Bracy’ s letter had dope trotting more good than harm. AN EXPLANATION OFFERED. Subsequently, Messrs T. H. Davey and R: A. Armstrong attended the eon ference, and Air Armstrong referred to what he termed the fact that the Trotting Association had been accused of something that was unsportsmanlike, and dishonourable. When the bill was being worked for Mr Bruce wrote to members of Parliament stating that the trotting people had committed a distinct breach of faith. The fact was they had committed no breach of faith, and they endeavoured to . get the' Hon. E. W. Alison to ascertain the* requirements of the country dubs. This information, was not forthcoming, and so far as they knew Mir Alison did nothing to forward the interests of the bill. In the draft of the proposed bill tile number of permits to be sought for country clubs was left blank pending the receipt of the information. They had done their best for the country racing clubs, on whose part, however, very little energy was shown respecting members of Parliament. it was resolved to ask the Country Clubs’ Conference to hear Messrs Rowe. Davey and Armstrong on the subject. Two delegates said they were also delegates to the Country Clubs’ Conference, and there they would support the attitude of Messrs Rowe, Davey, and Armstrong in what they bad done concerning the bill.' A MISUNDERSTANDING. “NO BREACH OF FAITH.” At the Country Racing Clubs’ Conference laat night Messrs Armstrong and Davey attended, and after a long discussion, which was taken in committee, it was resolved to accept the explanation offered by the deputation and to express regret that any misunderstanding had arisen. It was decided also to delete from the animal report a reference to an alleged breach of faith.