DISTRICT RACING.

Waipa Post, Volume VIII, Issue 354, 2 October 1914, Page 4

DISTRICT RACING.

NOW that the Gaming Amendment Bill has practically found its place upon the Statutes of

this country, the racing clubs of the smaller districts have prospects of receiving the reasonable consideration and ment due to them. Few people will deny that horse racing is a noble sport; providing, as it does, a healthful pastime and leading up to the breeding of a good stamp of horses. But the alleged abuse of horse racing led up to a world-wide movement for the abolition of the totalisator and all forms of monetary interest in in the sport. It was that 'movement, designed no doubt with the best of intentions, that brought about legislation in New Zealand limiting the number of days for which permits were issued, and it was that limitation which so seriously crippled the clubs in the country districts. But in the main this movement has failed, as public interest in turf matters has not lessened in the slightest degree. Its only result has been the crippling of the smaller clubs to the advantage of the more wealthy and more influential metropolitan bodies. So far the movement has been a failure, and although in theory its plans may have appeared feasible, in practice they have appeared unsatisfactory and unjust. Consequently New Zealand is apparently to have an additional thirty-one totalisator permits, and this district is very rightly putting forward its claim for consideration. Within a radius of seven miles of the town of Te Awamutu are four established clubs, and it is proposed that, provided a totalisator permit can be obtained these four clubs amalgamate to their common advantage. This proposal is on sound lines, and should receive the very favourable consideration of all. It will lead to the establishment of a club worthy of the district, and a club of which the whole district may be proud. The proposal, if given effect to, will pave the way for the promotion of district sport which will undoubtedly give rise to the breeding and training of a greater number of hunters and trotters for which this locality is already a recognised centre. Local interests will probably be introduced into the discussions, but the proposal is of sufficient district importance to warrant sportsmanlike consideration. Above all else concerted action is necessary as it will only be by the co-opera-tion of all that the permit is likely to come to the district, and with the permit will follow the establishment of local sport upon a permanent and definite footing. The occasion then is not one for too much parochialism ; it is not a time for petty recriminations but rather for the sportsman to look to the general uplifting and upbuilding of the district sport. We think that those who control the affairs of these racing clubs will receive this proposal as only true sports can. They wiU each be prepared to make sacrifices for the common good and will readily agree to work for mutual advantage. If they do this they will prove themselves, and in addition to providing a race meeting worthy of the district, will earn the support of every citizen, and we venture the opinion that public support will not then be lacking.