HUNT CLUBS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3085, 30 April 1913, Page 6

HUNT CLUBS.

QUESTION OF SUBSIDIES. (From Our Own Correspondent.) MARION, April 22. The very important question of hunt clubs being subsidised by the State was discussed at the annual meeting of the Rangitikei Hunt Club, when a letter was received from the secretary of the Otago Hunt Club showing that, though the Racing Conference had recommended that all racing clubs entitled to the use of the totalisator should contribute to the hunt funds, only 14 racing clubs had responded to the extent of £B2O, £4OO of which being given by the Canterbury Jockey Club to the four Canterbury hunts. This question, it was contended, should be looked into by the Hunts’ Association. The totalisator investments for the dominion from October 1, 1912, to April 2, 1913, amounted to £1,889,016, showing an increase of £375,793 over the same period of the previous year. It was estimated that this year the Government would receive £IOO,OOO as revenue from the racing clubs. Rangitikei’s assistance and cooperation was asked with regard to furthering the movement in reference to the 16 New Zealand hunts each receiving a Government subsidy of £250 per hunt. Mr J. G. Wilson, president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, who is also president of tlie local hunt, had some interesting things to say concerning the future breeding of horses, and he expressed the opinion that if the House again considered the question before the meeting the hunt clubs would get special recognition. “ The reason for this,” he said, “ is an obvious and important one. Motor cars and cycles are becoming now’ so common that the number of horses bred must in a few years be reduced by 50 per cent. There will be so little demand for those bred that there will be no inducement to use good sires. The price of thoroughbreds will be affected. It is a fact that already they are affected in the dominion, and young stock and brood mares are sent over from here to Sydney to find a market. This was so recognised that the Racing Conference recommended that all racing clubs should contribute to the funds of hunt chibs. Last year this recommendation was given effect to to the extent of £B2O, the Christchurch Jockey Club giving £4OO of this. This question of hunt clubs is generally looked upon by the public as the sport of the well-to-do, and that they should pay for their sport, and 1 think none of us grudge what we do spend, for excellent snort and good fellowshin is the result. But it has a far wider bearing than mere sport. It may be said to be an Imperial question. It is certain that even in the war of the future, where airships and airmotors will play a very important part in reconnoitring, mounted forces will be necessary, and horses will be absolutely necessary. No species of sport equals hunting to encourage the breeding of good horses. Higher prices are given to-day for good hunters than ever before, and they are more and more difficult to procure. If the country is wise it will assist hunt clubs in some way so as to encourage breeding.” After a "ood deal of discussion it was eventually resolved that the Rangitikei Hunt considered it inadvisable to apply

for the subsidy of £250 to each hunt, because it would not work equally in cases where clubs were wealthier than others, and, failing to obtain permits for a totalisator meeting, the hunts should approach the New Zealand Racing Conference with a view to regulations being enforced compelling racing clubs to subsidise hunts located in their racing district.