MID-WEEK RACING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26117, 2 April 1946, Page 7

MID-WEEK RACING

FEELING OF MAJOR CLUBS

DESIRE FOR RESTORATION (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Apl. 1. The question of mid-week racing is a lively topic in turf circles at present. As a war measure racing was confined to Saturdays and public holidays. There has been a keen agitation since the ending of the war to have mid-week days restored, mainly because the calendar has become too congested with the pre-war list of meetings crowded into one day’s racing each week and also because of greatly increased overhead cost to owners.

There is a strong feeling among the major clubs that some easing of the restrictions would be justified during the winter months, and it is understood that representations along these lines have been made by the racing authorities to the Government. It is well known that the main objection to the restoration of week-day 'racing is the fear of the Government that absenteeism in industry will increase and thus hinder the drive for greater production, particularly in those seasonal occupations which are vitally concerned in the production of food. It was expected that the Wellington Racing Club would release the programme for its three-day July meeting to-day. It was announced, however, that consideration of the programme by the stewards had been deferred pending an announcement by the Government on the question of mid-week racing. This may mean that the Wellington Racing Club does not propose to use its third day in July if it is still necessary to extend the meeting over three Saturdays. There is a strong feeling among the major clubs that at least for the winter months meetings should not be extended in this fashion. It is common knowledge in racing circles that some of them will decline to use all the permits available unless the over-all duration of meetings can be shortened by the use of a week-day date. ‘The Minister of Internal Affairs. Mr W. E. Parry, whose department handles the issue of permits." is at present in the South Island. No official statement on the position is available, but it is understood that there is little likelihood of any relief being granted for the time, being because of the fear of further absenteeism in industry.!