LABOUR DAY RACING,

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17711, 15 May 1929, Page 6

LABOUR DAY RACING,

MINISTER’S ATTITUDE. “NOT WITHIN IWY PROVINCE.” REPLY TO MR MARTIN, M.P. The Minister of Internal Affairs has declined to interfere with the allocation of Labour Day as a racing or trotting fixture. He telegraphed to Mr W. Lee Martin, M.P., yesterday that the matter was not within his province. Mr Martin had wired to the Minister (Hon. P. A. de la Pcrrelle) the previous day as follows: — A largo number of my constituents view with apprehension the application of the Auckland Trotting Club to race on Labour Day. They request, that, if it is in your power, you curb the propensities of city clubs grabbing ail holidays to tho detriment of the country clubs. The Minister's reply was sent from Foxton. It stated:— Your telegram received regarding Trotting Club meeting Labour Day. As you are aware, matter of fixing date for meeting not within my province. I would eubmJt that representations bo submitted to conferenoe for consideration. President’s address Is Mr H. F. Nicholl, Ashburton. , The Minister’s reference is, of course, to the Trotting Conference.

“MINISTER SHOULD NOT DICTATE.” The Minister of Internal Affairs, in replying to a deputation from the Taranaki Jockey Club for an extra permit, said inter alia: "... Tho deputation had put forward a very strong case In regard to an extra permit. The position of course was that recommendations were made by the Dates Committee of tlie Racing Conference and then conference itself dealt with the allocation of permits, and if he as Minister was not satisfied with their suggestions then he had the right of veto. At the same time lie had always held that a Minister should not dictate to the racing public. . .