WAR-TIME RACING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24627, 7 June 1941, Page 11

WAR-TIME RACING

TO THE EDITOR

Sir,—Mr A. S. Elworthy is to be congratulated on his plea for the limitation of horse racing in war-time. Racing has become a big business in New Zealand: it has provided a living for many, a good revenue for the State, and a popular amusement for the public. If it is well controlled there can be little criticism levelled against it in a time of peace and prosperity. But when the nation is engaged in an all-in struggle against a ruthless enemv no justification can be found for the full-scale continuance of a luxury trade. When the president of the Racing Conference is impelled to speak out in such terms it is high time for a revenuehunting Government and a pleasure-seek-ing public to take notice. Arguments brought forward in support of the business will not bear looking into. As far as revenue is concerned it can be taken

for granted that the tax-gathering net is spread widely' enough to rake in a good share on all spending. Much of the money " invested " with the totalisator and bookmakers might more advantageously be put into war loans. Many of those who earn a living in racing stables would be better employed in productive work. The farming industry is badly in need o! labour, and could readily absorb any men or boys with a knowledge of horses. The 40-hour week and frequent public holldayy afford strong encouragement for people to spend their time and money on race meetings and other entertainments, when every ounce is needed for the prosecution of the war it is certainly time that a stop was put to this economic waste. Littlecan be expected, however, from a party Government with an election looming in sight. Only a truly National Government, representative of the whole people, ana sharing equally in the responsibility and the unpopularity which will inevitably ensue from restriction of the peoples liberties, can energise New Zealand into a real war effort.—l am. etc.. Middlemarch, June 5. Countryman.