TRAINERS’ PROBLEMS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 96, 24 April 1945, Page 4

TRAINERS’ PROBLEMS

TRANSPORT OF HORSES VIEWS OF NO. 2 AUTHORITY. “I cannot see any objection to this application being granted—it is a useful form of transport and I don’t think it will hurt others,' said the No. 2 Transport Licensing Authority (Mr. Skoglund) when granting a goods service licence for the transport of racehorses to A. J. Hughes. Wanganui. The licence is subject to the present 30mile restriction and is limited to the No. 2 district. When the application was heard in Wanganui yesterday afternoon, Mr. A. A. Barton submitted that the licence was previously held by the Fordell Timber and Case Co., Ltd., but a transfer to Hughes was desired. Mr. W. Gordon raised objection on behalf of the Inland Horse Float Proprietors’ Association. The license was originally granted to the Fordell Timber and Case Co., Ltd., 12 months ago, but his association knew nothing of the matter then and was not in the position to oppose it, said Mr. Gordon. Horse floats at present available were sufficient to meet all requirements, ho added. They were only doing one-twelfth of their normal work and under the present restriction, limiting the transport of racehorses by road to 30 miles, the business was not a paying proposition. Mr Skoglund: How can a horse float from Palmerston North come up to Wanganui? Mr. Gordon: There is a licence here. Trainers could not. go 30 miles from Wanganui if there Was no horse float, available, Mr. Skoglund commented. Most trainers were becoming domiciled in centres where transport was available and race meetings were held more frequently Mr. Barton submitted that in Wanganui there wore three or four trainers, one with 10 horses, and also permanent, stud farms. Transport of horses was a problem for them. Mr. Skoglund: I know it is a problem. My own view is that where there are a good many trainers there should be a horse float. Mr. Gordon held that when the restrictions were lifted Hughes would have the benefit of a licence which would place him in an advantageous position. Mr. Skoglund: I don’t think there were sufficient horses in the district to cope with all the business. Mr. Gordon: There is still ample accommodation for the transport, of all horses in normal times. Mr. Skoglund: That is not my experience. The licence was granted.