LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19674, 6 September 1935, Page 8

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. RACING CLUB’S POSITION. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Thu rsday . The Address-in-Reply motion was moved in Ihe Legislative Council tills afternoon by tiic lion. ,T. McLeod (Taranaki), who reviewed the present, economic position of New Zealand and contended that the Government’s efforts in the last four years had contributed largely to the country's recovery.

Mr McLeod dealt at length with the position of racing and trolling clubs in New Zealand to-day and indicated tho probability of the introduction this session of an amendment to the gaming laws providing for the establishment of a betting board to conlorl lolalisator and bookmaker betting if necessary. He said ttie Government was seriously considering the proposals.

Mr McLeod said he was sure members of the Council appreciated that racing was probably the principal national pastime of the country. The stakes were unattractive because of the fall in the revenue of racing clubs and tho best horses were in Australia.

The Racing Conference had suggested to the Government a bill on tho lines of Ihe English law controlling betting, which provided dial; Ihe tolalisator and all associated with betting should come under the control of a hoard. If Ihe Government look control of a national lull it would bring lo Ihe clubs and Ihe Stale a share in taxation now being losl. The motion was seconded by Ihe Hon. AN'. Hayward (Canterbury), who dealt with Hie export Irade position and said Ihe country should lie pleased with Ihe successful issue of Ihe meat negotiations. The Council then adjourned.