GREYHOUND RACING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16542, 9 January 1928, Page 4

GREYHOUND RACING

GROWING OPPOSITION. BIG BATTLE PENDING. *E!cc. Tel. Copyright.—United Press Assn.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Aesociation.t LONDON, January fi. Mechanical greyhound coursing is at present ilie centre of bitter warfare between supporters and opponents. An extraordinary reaction set in following the boom of last year when tracks were springing up like mushrooms. The abandonment of, Hie Crystal Palace track was the first big victory for the opponents, the decision being , forced on the trustees by the overwhelming opposition of the London Corporation, and London County Council. Mr. Thomas’ attack on betting helped to swing the body of opinion, which formerly was nod-committal. The Greyhound Association officially declines to regard the Crystal Palace decision as a serious setback and says the increasing popularity of the sport is not arrested by the mere rejection of one or two local cities. 'JTlio House of Commons will be the venue of the next battle. A committee of Commoners and members of the churches announce they will tight the sport to the uttermost, and are preparing their case at the request of (ho Home Secretary, who has promised a statement* in the House of Commons on February 7. It is expected a Bill will be prepared empowering local authorities to veto greyhound racing. Furthermore, a conference will shortly be held at which bishops and other prominent persons will speak. The Greyhound Association has taken up the challenge to protect investments totalling £3,000,000 bv the formation of a Greyhound Protection Society. The' Hendon Council to-day rejected track plans, thereby joining Northampton, Newcastle, Swansea, Bristol, Wolverhampton, Chester, Reading, Ramsgate, Isle of Man. and several London suburbs. The sport is entirely banned in Spain.