Papers Past | Parliamentary Papers | Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives | 1915 Session I | GAMING COMMISSION (REPORT OF THE), TOGETHER WITH...

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1915. NX W ZEA.L A N D.

GAMING COMMISSION (REPORT OF THE), TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AND EVIDENCE.

haul on the Table, by Command of llis Excellency.

COMMISSION. Liverpool, Governor. To all to whom these presents shall come, and to George Hunter, Esquire, Member of Parliament, of Porangah.au, and Thomas Henry Davey, Esquire, of Christchurcb : Greeting. Whereas by the Gaming Amendment Act, 1914, it is provided that the Minister of Internal Affairs may, on the application of any racing, trotting, or hunt club not being a holder of a totalizator license, grant to that club a license to use the totalizator on one day, but that not more than thirty-one licenses may be granted under the provisions of the said Act in any year, and of that number not more than fifteen may be granted to racing clubs, nor more than eight to trotting clubs, nor more than eight to hunt clubs : And whereas the Minister of Internal Affairs caused public notice to be given that applications under the said Act would be received at any time until the tenth day of December, one thousand nine hundred and fourteen, and applications have been received pursuant to such, notice, and the number of such applications for racing clubs, trotting clubs, and hunt clubs largely exceeds the number authorized to be granted as aforesaid : And whereas it is expedient that a Commission should be appointed to inquire into and report upon the questions hereinafter set forth relating to the administration by the Government of the said Act : Now, therefore, I, Arthur William de Brito Savile, Earl of Liverpool, the Governor of the Dominion of New Zealand, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908, and of all other powers in anywise enabling me in that behalf, and acting by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the said Dominion, do hereby appoint you, the said George Pltjnter, Esquire, M.P., and Thomas Henry Davey, Esquire, to be a Commission to inquire and report upon the following matters : — (1.) To consider the several applications so received as aforesaid for the several classes of totalizator licenses.

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(2.) To report which fifteen racing clubs of those racing clubs which have so applied as aforesaid are best entitled to grants of totalizator licenses, and which eight trotting clubs of those trotting clubs which have so applied as aforesaid are best entitled to grants of totalizator licenses, and which eight hunt clubs of those hunt clubs which have so applied as aforesaid are best entitled to grants of totalizator licenses; and in the case of each class to report the reasons for your preference and selection. (3.) To inquire, in such manner as to you shall seem fit, and, where conveniently possible, by a personal inspection, into the suitability and convenience for racing meetings of the racecourses and buildings proposed to be used by each of the several classes of clubs so applying for licenses, and to report thereon. And with the like advice and consent I do further appoint you, the said George Hunter, to be the Chairman of the said Commission. And, further, I do require you to report to me your opinion as to the aforesaid matters on or before the fifteenth day of February, one thousand nine hundred and fifteen. And, lastly, it is hereby declared that these presents are issued under and subject to the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908. Given under the hand of TTis Excellency the Right Honourable Arthur William de Brito Savile, Earl of Liverpool, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Dominion of New Zealand and its Dependencies; and issued under the Seal of the said Dominion, at the Government House at Wellington, this twenty-third day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and fourteen. H. D. Bell, Minister of Internal Affairs. Approved in Council. J. F. Andrews, Clerk of the Executive Council.

Liverpool, Governor. To all to whom these presents shall come, and to George Hunter, Esquire, Member of Parliament, of Porangahau, and Thomas Henry Davey, Esquire, of Chrisfchurch. Whereas by Warrant dated the twenty-third day of December, one thousand nine hundred and fourteen, George Hunter and Thomas Henry Davey were appointed to be a Commission under the Gaming Amendment Act, 1914, and the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908, for the purposes set out in the said Warrant: And whereas by the said Warrant you were required to report to me under your hands and seals your opinion as to the aforesaid matters not later than the fifteenth day of February, one thousand nine hundred and fifteen : And whereas it is expedient that the said period shall be extended as hereinafter provided : Now, therefore, I, Arthur William de Brito Savile, Earl of Liverpool, the Governor of the Dominion of New Zealand, in pursuance of the powers vested in me by the said Acts, and acting by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the said Dominion, do hereby extend the period within which you shall report to me, as by the said Commission provided, to the thirtyfirst day of March, one thousand nine hundred and fifteen.

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And in further pursuance of the powers vested in me by the said Acts, and with the like advice and consent, f do hereby confirm the said Commission except as altered by these presents. Given under the hand of PLis Excellency the Right Honourable Arthur William de Brito Savile, Earl of Liverpool, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Dominion of New Zealand and its Dependencies; and issued underthe Seal of the said Dominion, at the Government House at Wellington, this thirteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and fifteen. H. D. Bell, Minister of Internal Affairs. Approved in Council. J. F. Andrews, Clerk of the Executive Council.

Liverpool, Governor. To all to whom these presents shall come, and to George Hunter, Esquire, Member of Parliament, of Porangahau, and Thomas Henry Davey, Esquire, of Christchurcb. Whereas by Warrant dated the twenty-third day of December, one thousand nine hundred and fourteen, George Hunter and Thomas Henry Davey were appointed to be a Commission under the Gaming Amendment Act, 1914, and the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908, for the purposes set out in the said Warrant : And whereas by the said Warrant you were required to report to me under your hands and seals your opinion as to the aforesaid matters not later than the fifteenth day of February, one thousand nine hundred and fifteen : And whereas by a Warrant dated the thirteenth day of February, one thousand nine hundred and fifteen, the said period was extended and you were required to report to me not later than the thirty-first day of March, one thousand nine hundred and fifteen : And whereas it is expedient that the said period should be extended as hereinafter provided : Now, therefore, I, Arthur William de Brito Savile, Earl of Liverpool, the Governor of the Dominion of New Zealand, in pursuance of the powers vested in me by the said Acts, and acting by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the said Dominion, do hereby extend the period within which you shall report to me, as by the said Commission provided, to the thirtieth day of April, one thousand nine hundred and fifteen. And in further pursuance of the powers vested in me by the said Acts, and with the like advice and consent, I do hereby confirm the said Commission except as altered by these presents. Given under the hand of His Excellency the Right Honourable Arthur William de Brito Savile, Earl of Liverpool, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and SaintGeorge, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Dominion of New Zealand and its Dependencies; and issued under the Seal of the said Dominion, at the Government House at Wellington, this twenty-fifth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and fifteen. H. D. Bell, Minister of Internal Affairs. Approved in Council. J. F. Andrews, Clerk of the Executive Council.

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BEPOKT. To His Excellency the Right Honourable Arthur William de Brito Savile, Earl of Liverpool, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Dominion of New Zealand and its Dependencies. May it please Your Excellency,— We, the Commissioners appointed by Your Excellency's Letters Patent of the 23rd December, 1914, which Letters Patent were extended on the 13th February, 1915, and still further extended on the 25th March, 1915, and by which we were directed to inquire into the following matters and things, that is to say, — (1.) To consider the several applications so received as aforesaid for the several classes of totalizator licenses : (2.) To report which fifteen racing clubs of those racing clubs which have so applied as aforesaid are best entitled to grants of totalizator licenses, and which eight trotting clubs of those trotting clubs which have so applied as aioresaid are best entitled to grants of totalizator licenses, and which eight hunt clubs which have so applied as aforesaid are best entitled to grants of totalizator licenses, and in the case of each class to report the reasons for your preference and selection : (3.) To inquire, in such manner as you shall see fit, and, where conveniently possible, by a personal inspection, into the suitability and convenience for racing meetings of the racecourses and buildings proposed to be used by each of the several classes of clubs so applying for licenses, and to report thereon : have to report as follows : — In accordance with the directions set out in the order of reference, we desire to state that we have visited and thoroughly inspected seventy-six racecourses, the number of applications in connection with the several branches of sport working out at follows :— Flat-racing Hunt Trotting (Jiubs. (.Hubs. Olubs. North Island .. . . . . 21 12 6 South Island .. .. .. 25 0 6 46 18 12 In addition to the above, an application was received for a. flat-racing license from the Chatham. Islands Jockey Club, but unfortunately we, were unable to pay a visit to the islands. Eleven applications were also received from existing totalizator clubs for an extension of their one-day annual fixtures, but as these requests were outside our order of reference the several applicants were informed that they could not be considered. Unquestionably the successful government of racing mainly depends upon the personnel of those who propose to control the sport, and we desire to state that during the course of our exhaustive investigations we were particularly pleased to find that, generally speaking, the character and sportsmanlike knowledge possessed by those who waited upon us were all that could be desired. By referring to the minutes of proceedings and evidence forwarded herewith it will be seen that ample opportunities were given to those who waited upon us to

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place their views before the Commission, and, fortunately, we were able to punctually keep every appointment. Wherever we went we were keenly impressed with the great enthusiasm displayed by the respective deputations, and in making our recommendations we regret that owing to the limitations imposed by the amending Act of 1914 we are unable to satisfy the legitimate requests of those seeking licenses. RECOMMENDATIONS. Racing Clubs : Fifteen Permits. We recommend that licenses should be granted to the following clubs : — North Island. Kawakawa R.C. Waipawa County R.C. Taumarunui R.C. Northern Wairoa R.C. Ashhurst-Pohangina R.C. Horowhenua R.C. Opotiki J.C. Pahiatua R.C. Waipa R.C. South Island. Cheviot R.C. Karamea R.C. North Canterbury and OxClifden H.R.C. Westport J.C. ford J.C. Methven R.C. Applications were also received from the following clubs : — North Island. Waipapakauri R.C. Whatawhata R.C. Te Karaka R.C. Otamatea R.C. Alexandra R.C. Petane R.C. Helensville R.C. Coromandel R.C. Lower Valley J.C. Ngaruawahia R.C. Patea R.C. Waitara R.C. South Island. Inter-Wanganui R.C. Mackenzie County R.C. Takaka R.C. Christchurch R.C. Palmerston R.C. Havelock-Pelorus H.R.C. Ohoka and Eyreton J.C. Taieri Amateur T.C. Wairau Valley H.R.C. Rakaia R.C. Maniototo J.C. Murchison R.C. Mount Somers and Spring- Bengerburn J.C. Upper Clutha R.C. burn R.C. Otautau H.R.C. Kaikoura R.C. Orari J.C. Lumsden H.R.C. Chatham Islands J.C. Trotting Clubs : Eight Permits. We recommend that licenses should be granted to the following clubs : — North Island. South Island. Waikato T.C. Kaikoura T.C. Poverty Bay T.C. Westland T.C. Waimate Plains T.C. South Canterbury T.C. Manawatu T.C. Win ton T.C. Applications were also received from the following clubs :— North Island. South Island. . Hawke's Bay T.C. Granity T.C. Horowhenua T.C. Southland T.C. Hunt Clubs : Eight Permits. Eighteen applications were received from hunt clubs, and of these twelve came from the North Island and six from the South Island. As the merits of the great majority of the clubs were so equal we have deemed it advisable to recommend

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that contiguous alternate licenses should be granted to the sixteen clubs named below—that is to say, Pakuranga H.C. to be granted the license the first year, and Waikato H.C. the following season, and so on, in. rotation in accordance with the accompanying table. This will give hunters an opportunity of competing annually within a reasonable distance of their headquarters, and equally assist the financial position of each club. North Island. FIRST SEASON. SECOND SEASON. Pakuranga H.C. Waikato H.C. Hawke's Bay H.C. Poverty Bay H.C. Dannevirke H.C. Woodlands H.C. North Taranaki H.C. Egmont-Wanganui H.C. Rangitikei H.C. Manawatu H.C. South Island. FIRST SEASON. SECOND SEASON. Brackenfield H.C. Christchurch H.C. Waimate District H.C. South Canterbury H.C. Birchwood H.C. Otago H.C. Applications were also received from the following clubs : — Waikanae H.C. : Not registered with the New Zealand Hunts Association. No pack of hounds. Wairarapa H.C. : Not registered with the New Zealand Hunts Association. No pack of hounds. Our preference and selection in each class, as indicated in the foregoing recommendations, have been arrived at after exhaustive investigation into, and careful consideration of, the claims of the several clubs. We recommend that all clubs erecting fencing on the inside of racing or trotting tracks, and all clubs at any time renewing their present fencing, should be required to adopt the pattern set forth in Schedule 10 of the Gaming Commission's report of 1910, unless special reasons can be shown to the contrary. We would further strongly urge that no license be issued to use the totalizator until reasonable progress has been made with the improvements suggested in the Second Schedule to our report. The Commission travelled 10,200 miles, an average of 134 miles per day. We have attached to our report informative schedules giving particulars which may prove interesting, viz. : First Schedule, showing the fifteen racing clubs recommended for licenses, where their meetings are held, and the tenure and distance of their courses ; Third Schedule, showing the eight trotting clubs recommended for licenses, and where their meetings are held ; Fourth Schedule, showing the hunt clubs recommended for licenses, and where their meetings are held ; and the Fifth Schedule, with our report on the courses and appointments of the racing and trotting clubs not recommended for licenses. We cannot conclude our report without placing on record our high appreciation of the valuable assistance rendered to us by Mr. J. D. Gray, who acted as secretary to the Commission. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals, this thirtieth day of April, in the year one thousand nine hundred and fifteen. George Hunter, Chairman. T. H. Davey.

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FIRST SCHEDULE.

RACING CLUBS.

SECOND SCHEDULE. RACING CLUBS: RECOMMENDATIONS. North Island. Kawakawa B.C. —Course rough and uneven, and should be extended to 7 furlongs. Buildings unsuitable : these and fences should be greatly improved. Northern Wairoa R.C. —Course in fair order. Suitable buildings are required. Waipa B.C. —Site selected for course suitable. No buildings or fences : these should be erected. Opotiki J.C —Course in fair order ; could be improved by reploughing. Buildings and fences in fair order. Waipawa County B.C.—-Course in fair order. Buildings and fences out of repair: these should be greatly improved. Ashhurst-Pohangina R.C. Course in fair' order. Buildings good ; fences in fair order. Taumarunui R.C- -Site selected for course suitable. No buildings or fences : these should he erected. Pahiatua R.C. —Course in good order. Buildings in fair order ; the stalls should be attended to. Horowhenua R.C. —Course in fair order. Buildings and fences out of repair : these should be greatly improved. South Island. Cheviot. R.C. —Course in good order. Suitable buildings and fences should be erected. Westport J.C -Site selected for course suitable. No huildings or fences : these should be erected. Karamea R.C. —Course in good order. No buildings or fences : these should be erected. Present entrance to course should be closed, and an entrance made from public road. Clifden H.R.C. —Course in fair order, hut parts should be reploughed. No buildings or fences : these should be erected. Methven R.C- -Site selected for course suitable. No buildings or fences : these should be erected. North Canterbury and Oxford J.C. —Course rough and stony, and should be improved. Buildings and fences out of repair : these should he greatly improved.

Name of Oluh. Where Meetings held. Tenure and Distance of Course. Nowth Island. Kawakawa R.C. . . Kawakawa .. Lease from year to year ; 5 furlongs. . Northern Wairoa R.C. .. Dargaville .. Freehold; 6 furlongs. Waipa R.C. .. Te Awamutu .. Leasehold; 8 furlongs. Opotiki J.C. .. ... Opotiki... .. Racecourse reserve ; 7 furlongs 32 yards. Waipawa Countv R.C. Homewood .. Leasehold, ninety-nine years from 1st March. 1898 ; 7 furlongs and 1 chain. Ashhurst-Pohangina R.C.. . Ashhurst . . Freehold (40 acres) and leasehold (15 acres) ; 8 furlongs less 50 yards. Pahiatua R.C. .. .. Pahiatua .. Freehold; 1 mile 66 yards. Horowhenua R.C. .. Levin . . . . Freehold; 8 furlongs. Taumarunui R.C. .. Taumarunui .. Borough reserve ; 8J furlongs. South Island. Westport J.C. .. .. Westport . . Harbour Board reserve ; twenty-one years lease. with right of renewal. Karamea R.C. .. .. Karamea . . Leasehold ; ten years, with right of renewal; 6 furlongs. Clifden H.R.C. .. .. Clifden . . . . Domain reserve ; 9 furlongs. Cheviot R.C. . . . . Cheviot. . . . Domain reserve ; 6 furlongs. North Canterburv and Ox- Rangiora . . Freehold ; 9 furlongs. ford J.C. " Methven R.C. .. .. Methven .. Freehold; 1 mile.

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THIRD SCHEDULE. TROTTTNG CLUBS: RECOMMENDATIONS. North Island. Name of Club. Where Meetings hold. Poverty Bay T.C. . . . . .. .. Gisborne R.C. course. Waikato T.C. .. ..' .. .. South Auckland R.C. course. Waimate Plains T.C. .. .. .. Egmont R.C. course. Manawatu T.C. .. . . .. .. Manawatu R.C. course. South Island. Westland T.C. . . .. .. .. Westland R.C. course. Kaikoura T.C. .. .. .. .. Kaikoura Domain. South Canterbury T.C. .. .. .. South Canterbury J.C. course. Winton T.C, ~ ~ ~ ~ Wintou J.C. course. FOURTH SCHEDULE. HUNT CLUBS. Nobth Island. Name of Club. Where Meetings held. Pakuranga H.C. .. .. .. .. Auckland R.C. course. Waikato H.C. .. .. .. .. Cambridge A. and P. grounds. Poverty Bay H.C. .. .. .. .. Gisborne R.C. course. Hawke's Bay H.C. .. .. .. . . Hawke's Bay J.C. course. Dannevirke H.C. .. .. . . Dannevirke R.C. course. Woodlands H.C. ■ • • • • • ■ ■ Pahiatua R.C. course. North Taranaki \i.( { . . . . . . . Taranaki J.C. course. Egmont-Wanganui H.C. .. .. .. Waverley-Waitotara J.C. oourse, Rangitikei H.C. , . .. .. . . Marton J.C. course. Manawatu H.C. .. .. .. .. Manawatu R.C. course. South Island. Brackenficld H.C. .. . . .. .. Amberley Steeplechase course. Christchurch H.C. .. .. .. • .. Canterbury J.C. course. South Canterbury H.C. .. .. .. South Canterbury J.C. course. Waimate District }J.(\ . . . . . . Waimate R.C. course. Otago H.C. .. .. .. .. Otago J.C. course. Birch wood H.C. .. '~ ~ .. Otautau.

FIFTH SCHEDULE. REPORT ON COURSES ANT) APPOINTMENTS OF RACING AND TROTTING CLUBS NOT RECOMMENDED. Racing Clubs. Otamatea R.C. -Course, 6 furlongs, in fair order ; unfenced. Buildings poor. Tenure, leasehold. Helensville R.C. -Course, 8 furlongs, in fair order ; unfenced. No buildings. Tenure, leasehold. Ngaruawahia R.C. —Course, 9 furlongs, in good order : little fencing. No buildings. Tenure, Government racecourse reserve. Whatawhata R.C. —Course, 7 furlongs, not in good order ; fenced in straight. Buildings poor. Tenure, leasehold. Alexandra B.C.—Course, 7 furlongs, in fair order ; part of straight wire-fenced. Buildings poor. Tenure, domain reserve,

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Coromandel R.C- Course, 7 furlongs, in fair order : unfenced. Small stand and other small buildings in good order. Tenure, leasehold. Patea R.C -Course, 8 furlongs, rough, narrow, and uneven ; poorly fenced all round. Buildings poor. Tenure, leasehold. Te Karaka B.C.—Course, 1\ furlongs, in very bad order; fenced all round inside. Buildings poor. Tenure, freehold. t'elaue R.C. Course, 7 furlongs and 66 yards, in poor order ; unfenced. Buildings poor. Tenure, freehold. Lower Valley J.C Course, 8 furlongs, cough and uneven: poorly fenced all round. Buildings poor. Tenure, freehold. Waitara R.C- -Course, 6| furlongs, in bad order ; poorly fenced. Stand in fair order, other buildings poor. Tenure, freehold. Takaka R.C —Course, 6| furlongs, in poor order ; unfenced. No buildings. Tenure, leasehold. Havelock-Pelorus H.R:C. —Course, 7 furlongs, in poor order; unfenced. No buildings. Tenure, leasehold. Wairau Valley H.R.C Course, 6 furlongs, in fair order ; unfenced. No buildings. Tenure, Government reserve. Murchison R.C Course, 7 furlongs, in poor order, rough and uneven ; unfenced. No huildings. Tenure, leasehold. Inter-Wanganui B.C.—Course, 6 furlongs, in fair order; unfenced. No buildings. Tenure, leasehold. Christchuroh R.C. —Course, 8 furlongs, in very good order; fenced, all round. Buildings good. Tenure, leasehold. Ohoha and Eyreton J.C. —Course, 8 furlongs, in fail' order; fenced in straight on both sides. Buildings fair. Tenure, domain reserve. Ra/caia R.C. —Course, 6 furlongs, in good order ; fenced in straight on both sides. Buildings poor. Tenure, domain reserve. Mount Sowers and Springburn R.C- (Jourse, 7 furlongs, in good, order; fenced inside straight. Buildings fair. Tenure, domain reserve. Orari J.C—Course, 8 furlongs, in very good order; fenced inside. Buildings good. Tenure, Government reserve. Mackenzie County R.C- Course-site selected suitable. f'almerston B.C.—Course, 7| furlongs, in fair order ; unfenced. No buildings. Tenure, leasehold. Taieri Amateur T.C Course, 8 furlongs, in fair order; unsuitably fenced. Buildings out of repair. Tenure, leasehold. Maidototo J.C- -Course, 8 furlongs and 40 yards ; straight fenced on both sides. Buildings poor. Tenure, leasehold. Beugerbi/rn J.C. —Course,, 8 furlongs and 40 yards, in very good order ; unfenced. No buildings. Tenure, racecourse reserve. Otautau H.R.C -Course-site selected suitable. Lumsden H.R.C. —Course-site selected suitable. Upper Chitha B.C.- -Course, 8 furlongs, in fair order ; unfenced,. Small buildings in good order. Tenure, domain reserve. Kaikoura B.C.—Course, 6 furlongs, in bad order: partially fenced. Small huildings in good order. Tenure, domain reserve. Chatham Islands J.C. Not visited. 'I'rotting Clubs. Hawke's Bay T.C. Hawke's Bay Jockey Club's course and appointments. Horowhenua T.C —Horowhenua Racing Club's course and appointments. (hamty T.C- Course, 4 furlongs, in poor order; fences poor. Small buildings. Tenure, leasehold. Southland T.C Southland Racing Club's course and appointments.

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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS. Tuesday, 12th January, 1915. The Commission met at 11.30 a.m. at Parliamentary Buildings, Wellington. Present : G. Hunter, Esq., M.P. (Chairman), and T. H. Davey, Esq. The commission was read by the secretary. The Commission decided in regard to the applications of the Geraldine Racing Club, the Marton Jockey Club, the Mastcrton Racing Club, the Rangitikei Racing Club, the Reefton Jockey Club, the Stratford Racing Club, the Taratahi-Carterton Racing Club, the Te Kuiti Racing Club, the Tolaga Bay Jockey Club, the Waverley-Waitotara Racing Club, and the Westland Racing Club that these clubs, being already the holders of a totalizator license, do not come within the scope of the Commission, and the secretary was instructed to notify them accordingly. The Commission decided to visit Waitara at 9.30 a.m. on Thursday, the 14th instant, to consider the application of the Waitara Racing Club; New Plymouth at 11 a.m. on the same date, to consider the application of the North Taranaki Hunt Club; Hawera at 4.15 p.m. the same date, to consider the application of the Waimate Plains Trotting Club; Patea at 10.30 a.m. on Friday, the 15th instant, to consider the application of the Patea Racing Club; Waverley at, 2.30 p.m. the same date, to consider the application of the Egmont-Wanganui Hunt Club; and Marton at 9.30 a.m. on Saturday, the 16th instant, to consider the application of the Rangitikei Hunt Club. The Commission then adjourned.

Thursday, 14th January, 1915, The Commission left New Plymouth at 8.30 a.m. and inspected the course and appointments of the Taranaki Jockey Club in connection with the application of the North Taranaki Hunt Club. Ihe Commission then proceeded to Lepperton Junction and inspected the course and appointments of the Waitara Racing Club, and at 9.30 a.m. met the following deputation from that club, viz.: A. W. Ogle, president; W. F. Jenkins, vice-president; T. Buchanan, chairman of committee; H. Spurdle, secretary; and Messrs. W. Nosworthy, H. hangman, and D. George, committee. The Commission then returned to New Plymouth, and at 10.30 a.m. met the following deputation from the North Taranaki Hunt Club, viz. : E. F. Blundell, president; B. H. Chancy, deputy master; E. L. Humphries, secretary; and Messrs. W. C. Weston, A. L. Humphries, W. Hookhaui, S. Paul, and E. Mason, committee. H. Okey, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left New Plymouth at 12.50 p.m. and reached Hawera at 4 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Egmont Racing Club and the grounds of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Hawera, in connection with the application of the Waimate Plains Trotting Club; and at 4.30 p.m. met the following deputation from the latter club, viz. : E. E. Nalder, president; W. O'Callaghan, secretary; J. A. Turton, secretary, Egmont Pacing Club; and Messrs. C. H. Washer and R. Morrissey, committee. The Commission met again at 8 p.m., and decided to visit Pahiatua on Monday, the 18th instant, to consider the applications of the Pahiatua Racing Club and Woodlands Hunt Club; Masterton at 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday, the 19th, to consider the application of the Wairarapa Hunt Club; and Martinborough at 1.30 p.m. on the same date, to consider the application of the Lower Valley Jockey Club. The Commission then adjourned. •

Friday, 15th January, 1915. The Commission left Hawera at 9.37 a.m. and arrived at Patea at 10.15 a.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Patea Racing Club; and at 10.30 a.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz. : G. V. Pearce, Esq., M.P., president; R. W. Hamerton, secretary; and Messrs. A. Pearce, B. T. Bennett, J, Patterson, and J. R. Patterson, committee.' The Commission then left for Waverley, and at 1.30 p.m. met the following deputation from the Egmont-Wanganui Hunt Club, viz. : O. Symes, master; A. R. Macdonald, secretary; W Macfarlane, secretary, Waverley-Waitotara Racing Club; and Messrs. A. Mitchell,' ,T. C. Patterson, J. Higgie, R. Brewer, R. Morrissey, C. H. Washer, and — Combs, committee. The Commission then left for Wanganui.

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Saturday. 16th January, 1915. The Commission left Wanganui at * a.m. and arrived at Marton at 9.30 a.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Marton Jockey Club in connection with the application of the Rangitikei Hunt Club; and at 9.45 a.m. met the following deputation from the latter club, viz. : Sir J. G. Wilson, president; D. G. Riddii'ord, master; W. J. Simpson, deputy master; J. B. Gaisford, deputy master; 11. J. Cameron, deputy master; A. I!. Bill, late huntsman; G. F. Bishop, secretary; A. H. Way, secretary, Marton Jockey Club; and the Hon. Mr. Simpson, M.L.0., E. J. Wilde, and 11. E. Beckett, committee. E. Newman, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission then left for Pahnerston North.

Monday, 18th January, 1915. The Commission arrived at Pahiatua at 3 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Pahiatua Racing Club in connection with the applications of that club and the Woodlands Hunt Club. At 8 p.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the Pahiatua Racing Club, viz.: J. Breeds, president; H. Hare, secretary; and Messrs. E. Darley, H. McSherry, W. A. Husband, J. MeArdle, G. Main, E. Sullivan, S. Goodwood, P. Tulloch, and L. A. Ward, stewards. C. H. Escott, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. At 8.30 p.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the Woodlands Hunt Club, viz.: J. Breeds, president; S. V. Raclney, master; E. 11. Main, secretary; and E. Darley, A. Weston, E. Sullivan, and H. Vile, committee. C. H. Escott, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission then went into committee, and decided to visit Pahnerston North on Thursday, the 21st instant, at 1.30 p.m., to consider the applications of the Manawatu Hunt and Trotting Clubs; Levin at 3.30 p.m. the same day, to consider the applications of the Horowhenua Racing and Trotting Clubs; and Waikanae at 5 p.m., to consider the application of the Waikanae Hunt Club. The Commission then adjourned.

Tuesday, 19th January, 1915. The Commission left Pahiatua at 6.50 a.m. and arrived at Masterton at 9.15 a.m., and met the following deputation from the Wairarapa Hunt Club, viz. : Messrs. J. Macara, W. B. Chennells, W. Cooper, W. D. Watson; N. H. James, secretary; and A. Hathaway, secretary, Masterton Racing Club. W. Sykes, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission then inspected the Opaki Racecourse and appointments and the Taratahi-Carterton Racecourse and appointments in connection with the application of the above club. The Commission left Carterton at 11.30 a.m. for Martinborough, and at 1.30 p.m. inspected the course and appointments of the Lower Valley Jockey Club; and at 2 p.m. met the followingdeputation from the club, viz. : A. 1). McLeod, president; Sir W. C. Buchanan, patron; C. F. McAllum, secretary; and Messrs. J. Orr, C. Brewer, M. K. Smith, A. Nicol, and A. E. Wilton, stewards. J. T. M. Bornsby, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission then left for Wellington.

Thursday, 21st January, 1915. The Commission left Wellington at 8.20 a.m. and arrived at Palmerston at 12.30 p.m., and left at once for Awapuni to inspect the course and appointments of the Manawatu Racing Club in connection with the applications of the Manawatu Hunt and Trotting Clubs. At 1 p.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the Manawatu Hunt Club, viz. :S. R. Lancaster, president; H. Gillies, vice-president; and W. Mackenzie, secretary. D. Buick, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. At 1.30 p.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the Manawatu Trotting Club, viz. : G. "F. D. Watson, secretary; and Messrs. S. R. Lancaster, H. Gillies, P. F. O'Connor, S. T. Hunt, and H. J. Woodfield, committee. D. Buick, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission then left for Levin, and on arrival inspected the course and appointments of the Horowhenua Racing Club. At 3.30 p.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the Horowhenua Racing Club, viz.: J. McCleavey, president; T. Bevan, B. R. Gardner, stewards; and G. F. Roe, secretary. At 3.45 p.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the Horowhenua Trotting Club, viz. : J. McCleavey, T. Bevan, G. F. Roe, and B. R. Gardner, secretary. The Commission then left for Waikanae, and on arrival inspected the course and appointments of the Waikanae Hunt Club. At 5 p.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the club, viz. : G. Watson, president; F. H. Luxford, A. G. Williams; and T. H. Parata, secretary.

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The Commission then went into committee, and decided to visit Ashhurst on Monday, the 25th January, at 1.30 p.m., to consider the application of the Ashhurst-Pohangina Racing Club; Dannevirke at 4 p.m. the same day, to consider the application of the Dannevirke Hunt Club; Waipawa at 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday, the 26th January, to consider the application of the Waipawa County Racing Club; Hastings at 2.30 p.m. the same day, to consider the applications of the Hawke's Bay Hunt and Trotting Clubs; Petane at 4 p.m. the same day, to consider the application of the Petane Racing Club; Gisborne on Wednesday, the 27th January, to consider the applications of the Poverty Bay Hunt and Trotting Clubs; and Te Karaka on Thursday, the 28th January, to consider, the application of the Te Karaka Racing Club. The Commission then adjourned.

Monday, 25tu January, 1915. The Commission left Wellington at !).8 a.m. and arrived at Ashhurst at 1.30 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Ashhurst-Pohangina Racing Club; and at 1.45 p.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz.: F. J. Roberts, president; A. W. Trass, secretary; J. 11. Paton, treasurer; and Messrs. 1). Macarteney, C. Neilson, J. Newton, G. Hunt, A. G. Russell, and l\ Hamlin, stewards. D. 11. Guthrie, Esq., M.P., was present ami introduced the deputation. The Commission then left for Dannevirke, and on arrival inspected (he course and appointments of the Dannevirke Racing Club in connection with the application of the Dannevirke Hunt Club; and at I p.m. met the following deputation from the latter club, viz.: W. G. Hunter, master; I>. \l. Blakiston, vice-president; R. Takle, vice-president; I!. V. Robertshaw, secretary; W. H. Lavelle, treasurer; and Messrs. W. 11. Hartgill and R. Roake, committee. The Commission then visited the kennels of the club. The Commission left Dannevirke at 7.7 p.m. and arrived at Waipukurau at 9.40 p.m.

Tuesday, 26th January, 1915. The Commission left Waipukurau at 9 a.m. and arrived at Waipawa at 9.30 a.m., and at once met the following deputation from the Waipawa County Racing Club, viz. : I. Butler, president; J. Dick, secretary; A. E. .lull, treasurer; and Messrs. W. H. Rathbone, 11. M. Rathbone, and T. W. Wells, committee. The Commission then inspected the course and appointments of the club at Homewood. The Commission left Waipawa at 11.47 a.m. and arrived at Hastings at 1.12 p.in!, and at 2 p.m. inspected the course and appointments of the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club in connection with the applications of the Hawke's Bay Trotting and Hunt Clubs. At 2.30 p.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the Hawke's Bay Hunt Club, viz. : J. L. Sunderland, and W. J. Stratton, secretary. At 3 p.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the Hawke's Bay Trotting Club, viz. : Messrs. A. L. D. Eraser, J. T. Thomas, F. A. Piper, J. F. llanley, E. J. W. Hallett, N. Thompson, and W. Richmond. The Commission then left for .Petane, and on arrival at 4.30 p.m. inspected the course and appointments of the Petane Racing Club, and met the following deputation, from the club, viz. : W. S. Nightingale, secretary; and Messrs. J. Brownlie, O. Standing, J. Mcllardy, and A. P. Foster, committee. The Commission then proceeded to Napier, and at 8 p.m. left the latter port by steamer for Gisborne.

Wednesday, 27th January, 1915. The Commission arrived at Gisborne, and at 10 a.m. met the following deputation from the Poverty Bay Trotting Club, viz.: Dr. Scott,-president; P. Andrews, secretary; and Messrs. R. Ficken, A. Zachariah, G. W. Primrose, C. Parker, A. P. Webb. (I. Jones, R. Campbell, and T. C. Dorm, committee. W. 1). S. Mac Donald, Esq., M.P. (In the absence of the Hon. 'Sir .1. "Carroll, M.P.), was present and introduced the deputation. At 10.30 a.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the Poverty Bay Hunt Club, viz.: H. de Latour, master; 11. R. Dodd. secretary; and It. Sherratt. W. I). S. Mac Donald, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission then inspected the course and appointments of the Poverty Bay Jockey Club in connection with the applications of the above-mentioned clubs. On returning to Gisborne the Commission went, into committee and decided, in order to avoid detention at Gisborne until Saturday, 30th instant, waiting for steamer to Auckland, to proceed through to Opotiki by road on Thursday, the 28th January, to consider the application of the Opotiki Jockey Club for a totalizator license; and the secretary was instructed to arrange accordingly. At 2.30 p.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the Te Karaka Racing Club, viz. : W. D. S. Mac Donald, M.P., president; A. M. Lewis, vice-president; H. E. Dodd, secretary; and D. J. Barry. The Commission then adjourned.

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Thursday, 28th January, 1915. The Commission left Gisborne at 8 a.m. by motor-car en route to Opotiki, and on arrival at Te Karaka inspected the course and appointments of the Te Karaka Racing Club. The Com mission was able to get through to within twenty-nine miles of Opotiki, where further progress was completely blocked by a very heavy slip on the road; and, as the Commission was advised that it would take three or four days to remove the obstruction, it was decided to return to Gisborne and proceed to Auckland by steamer on Saturday, the 30th instant. The secretary was instructed to inform the Opotiki Jockey Club that, the Commission regretted its inability to keep its appointment, and that Opotiki would be visited at a, future dale, of which due notice would be given. The Commission arrived back at Gisborne at 8 p.m.

Friday, 29th January, 1915. The Commission met at 10.30 a.m., and decided to visit Helensville on Monday, the Ist February, at 10.30 a.m., to consider the application of the Helensville Racing Club; Auckland at 5 p.m. the same day, to consider the application of the Pakuranga Hunt Club; Ngaruawahia on Tuesday, 2nd February, at I p.m., to consider the application of the Ngaruawahia Racing Club; Whatawhata at 2.30 p.m. the same day, to consider the application of the Whatawhata Racing Club; Hamilton at 4.30 p.m. the same day, to consider the application of the Waikato Trotting Club; Cambridge at 7.30 p.m., to consider the application of the Waikato Hunt Club; Pirongia on Wednesday, 3rd February, at 9.30 a.m., to consider the application of the Alexandra Racing Club; Te Awaiuutu at II a.m. the same day, to consider the application of the Waipa Racing Club; Coromandel on Thursday, 4th. February, at I p.m., to consider the application of the Coromandel Racing Club; and Opotiki on Thursday, 11th February, at 7.30 p.m., to consider the application of the Opotiki Racing Club. The Commission then adjourned.

Saturday, 30th January, 1915. The Commission left Gisborne at 10 a.m., and arrived at Auckland at 10 a.m. on Sunday, 31st January.

Monday, Ist February, 1915. The Commission left Auckland at 8.20 a.m. and arrived at- Helensville at 10.7 a.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Helensville Racing Club. At 10.30 a.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the club, viz.: J. McLeod, president; James Hand, acting-secretary; and Messrs. T. F. Evans, 11. Coulter, J. Kelly, T. McEwen, G. Murphy, I. MeKenzie, E. H. Cueksey, and J. Hjorth, stewards. J. O. (Cafes, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Helensville at, 3 p.m. for Auckland, and at 5 p.m. met the following deputation from the Pakuranga Hunt Club, viz.: H. Bullock-Webster, master; R. P. Kinloch, secretary; W. Daltou, treasurer; and Sir Robert Loelihart, and Messrs. H. Worsp, H. Mackenzie, J. Rae, J. H. Dalton, and G. Hodgson., committee. The Commission adjourned at 5.45 p.m.

Tubsday, 2nd February, 1915. The Commission left Auckland at 9.15 a.m. and arrived at Ngaruawahia at 12.9 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Ngaruawahia Racing Club; and at J p.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz. : W. A. Clavis, chairman of committee; E. Rathbone, secretary; and Messrs. Thomas Patterson, sen., T. Parker, P. Feeuey, A. Patterson, S. S. Sanbrey, J. Macindoe, J. T. Raine, J. Molloy, T. McEwen, W. Thomas, and J. Draffin, stewards. R. F. Bollard, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Ngaruawahia at 1.30 p.m. and arrived at Whatawhata at 2.15 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Whatawhata Racing ('bib: and at 2.30 p.m. met the following deputation from that club, viz. : W. Mewhinney, president; F. W. Laxon, secretary; and. Messrs. A. M. Ferguson, D. M. Jack, W. Shepherd, A. Livingstone, J. Higginsbn, J. H. Sandos, F. Rotbwell, B. Parkes, W. MoCutcheon, W. 'Wilson, ami A, Ferguson, stewards. B. F, Bollard, Esq., M.P. (in the absence of J. A. young, Esq., M.P.), was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Whatawhata at 3 p.m. and arrived at, Hamilton at 4.15 p.m., .and at once inspected the course and appointments of the South Auckland Racing Club in connection with the application of the Waikato Trotting Club; and at 4.30 p.m. met the following deputation from the latter club, viz. : J. Dagleish, president; J. B. Hooper, vice-president; A. J. Smith, secretary; and Messrs. J. Teddy, AY. Abbott, 11. E. Tristram, W. I. Conradi, E. Goodwin, and C. J. W. Barton, stewards. R. F. Bollard, Esq., M.P. (in the absence of J. A. Young, Esq., M.P.), was present and introduced the deputation.

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The Commission left Hamilton at 5.15 p.m. and arrived at Cambridge at 6 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of ilta Waikato Hunt Club; and at 7.30 p.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz.: W. Brown, master; R. W. Hunter, secretary; and Messrs. H. Crowther, M. Wells, N. Banks, and J. Taylor, committee. R. F. Bollard, Esq., M.P., (in the absence of J. A. Young, Esq., M.P.), was present, and introduced the deputation. The Commission then adjourned.

Wednesday, 3rd February, 1915. The Commission left Cambridge at 8 a.m. and arrived at Pirongia at 9.15 a.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Alexandra Racing Club; and at 9.30 a.m. met the following deputation from that club, viz.: J. D. Parsons, secretary; and Messrs. T. Steele, J. Reilley, G. Pegler, W. G. Moon, A. H, Jones, W. Simpson, W. M. Chappell, C. C. Berry, W. G. Sim, and R. T. Seccombe. R. F. Bollard, Esq., M.P. (in the absence of J. A. Young, Esq., M.P.), was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Pirongia at 1.0 a.m. and arrived at Te Awamutu at 10.45, and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Waipa Racing Club; and at 11 a.m. met the following deputation from that club, viz.: William Taylor, president; W. Kay, president, Kihikihi Racing Club; Messrs. F. Quinn, F. Hockley, A. McArdle, A. Wallace, A. Young, E. Potts, M. Laurie, 11. Weal, R. Lord, W. Morrison, D. L. Bayly, W. Swain, D. Bockett, and G. Salter, and Dr. Reekie, committee; and J. Riddlebrook, treasure)'. J. A. Young, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Te Awamutu at 11.45 a.m. and arrived at Thames at 5 p.m.

Thursday, 4th February, fill 5. The Commission left Thames at 8 a.m. and arrived at Coromandel at noon, and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Coromandel Racing Club; and at 1 p.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz. : M. Gorrie, chairman of committee; A. Murdoch, secretary; and Messrs. I). M. Jones, H. G. Gatland, W. J. Denize, and D. Macnicol, committee. T. W. Rhodes, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Coromandel at 2 p.m. and arrived back at Thames at 5.30 p.m.

Wednesday, Ioth February, 19.1.5. The Commission met at Rotorua at 7.30 p.m., and decided to visit Matakohe on Monday, 15th February, 'at 7.30 p.m., to consider the application of the Otamatea Racing Club; Dargaville on Tuesday, ,16th February, at 7.30 p.m., to consider the application of the Northern Wairoa Racing Club; Kawakawa on Wednesday, 17th February, at .1.30. p.m., to consider the application of the Kawakawa Racing Club; Waipapakauri on Thursday, 18th February, at 9.30 a.m., to consider the application of the Waipapahauri Racing Club; and Taumarunui on Tuesday, 23rd February, at 10 a.m., to consider the application of the Taumarunui Racing Club. The Commission then adjourned.

Thursday, 11th February, 1915. The Commission left Rotorua at 10 a.m. and arrived at Opotiki at 6 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Opotiki Jockey Club; and at 7.30 p.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz.: J. T. Tabb, president; F. J. Shortt, vice-president; Dr. Forbes, honorary surgeon; J. Dods, vice-president; C. C. Courtenay, secretary; and Messrs. E. Recce, R. S. Todd-Wincup, J. M. Butler, O. Evans, H. S. West, J. Leggatt, A. E. Watkins, W. Recce, C. R. Kerr, H. R. Hogg, and J. D. Clark, committee. The Commission then adjourned.

Friday, I.2th February, 1915. The Commission left Opotiki at 8 a.m. and'arrived back at Rotorua at 5.30 p.m.

Saturday, 13th February, 1915. The Commission left Rotorua at 9 a.m. and arrived at Auckland at 4 p.m.

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Monday, 15th February, 1,915. The Commission left Auckland at 8.20 a.m. and arrived at Matakohe at 6.30 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Otamatea Racing Club; and at 8.30 p.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz. : N. Kinlayson, president; George Smith, chairman of committee; G. Gallic, secretary; and Messrs. R. Smith, W. Neill, J. M. Metcalfe, and E. Evans, committee. J. G. Coates, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission then adjourned.

Tuesday, 16th February, 1915. The Commission left Matakohe at 7 a.m. and arrived at Dargaville at 12.30 p.m. At 2.30 p.m. the Commission visited Awakino and inspected the course and appointments of the Northern Wairoa Jockey Club; and at 7.30 p.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz.: J. G. Coates, M.P., president; F. J. Dargaville, chairman of stewards; N. F. Knight, secretary; and Messrs. C. J. Carrington, E, Mandich, W. B. Giesen, 11. Massey, J. K. Gilbert, J. P. Stanaway, and H. Kimber. The Commission then adjourned.

Wednesday, 17th February, 1915. The Commission left Dargaville at 6.30 a.m. and arrived at Kawakawa at 12.30 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Kawakawa Racing Club; and at 1.30 p.m. met the f< Rowing deputation from the club, viz. : I l '. Goodhue, chairman of committee; James McKeown, secretary; and Messrs. W. Stewart, W. A. Bell, and H. Morgan, committee. V. H. Reed, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Kawakawa at 2 p.ni. and arrived at Kaitaia at 9.45 p.m.

Thursday, 18th February, 1915. The Commission left Kaitaia at 8 a.m. and arrived at Waipapakauri at 9.15 a.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Waipapakauri Racing Club; and at 9.30 a.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz. : E. J. Samuel, secretary; E. Evans, treasurer; and Messrs. G. C. Donald, W. 11. Evans, and F. Hirst, stewards. V. H. Reed, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Waipapakauri at 10 a.m. and arrived at Whangarei at 9.30 p.m.

Friday, 19th February, 1915. The Commission left Whangarei at 8 a.m. and arrived back at, Auckland at 7 p.m

Monday, 22nd February, 1915. The Commission left Auckland at 12.40 p.m. and arrived at Taumarunui at 7.25 p.m. The Commission met in committee at 8 p.m., and decided to visit Plumpton on Tuesday, 3rd March, at 9.30 a.m., to consider the application of the Christchurch Racing Club; Riccarton at 11.30 a.m. the same day, to consider the application of the Christchurch Hunt Club; Rangiora at 3.15 p.m. the same day, to consider the application of the North Canterbury and Oxford Jockey Club; Ohoka at 4.30 p.m. the same day, to consider the application of the Ohoka-Eyreton Jockey Club; Culverden at 12.15 p.m. on Wednesday, 4th March, to consider the application of the Brackenfield Hunt Club; Kaikoura at 7.30 p.m. the same day, to consider the applications of the Kaikoura Racing and Trotting Clubs; Cheviot at 12.30 p.m. on Thursday, sth March, to consider the application of the Cheviot Racing Club ; Rakaia at 9.30 a.m. on Friday, 6th March, to consider the application id' the Rakaia Racing Club; Methven ai 11.30 a.m. the same day, to consider the application of the Methven Racing Club; and Mount Somers at 3 p.m. the same day, to consider the application of the Mount Somers - Springburn Racing Club.

Tuesday. 23rd February, 1915. At 10 a.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the Taumarunui Racing Club, viz, : S. Sarah, secretary; and Messrs. E. W. Simmons, J. E. Slatterv, B. Obodsir, M. McCrane T. H. Ross, F. E. Otto, M. Burke, R. Bright, B. A. Baattie, C. Dunster, T. C. Thwaites, and G. R. Wilkinson. The Commission then inspected the course and appointments of the Taumarunui Racing Club. The Commission left Taumarunui at 7.37 a.m. and arrived a 1 Wellington at 6,26 o'clock the following morning.

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Tuesday. 2nd March, 1915. The Commission left Christchurch at 9.30 a.m. for Plumpton Park, and on arrival at 10 a.m. inspected the course and appointments at Plumpton in connection with the application of the Christchurch Racing Club. The Commission then met the following deputation from the club, viz. :F. 11. Pyne, 0. Dalgety, G. Gould, C. S. Hull, and A. Rattray, secretary. G. Witty, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced (he deputation. The Commission then proceeded to the Riccarton Racecourse, and at II a.m. met the following deputation from the Christchurch Hunt Club, viz. : J. 1). Hall, vice-president; 11. A. Knight and D. C. Rutherford. G. Witty, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Christchurch at 1.30 p.m. and arrived at Rangiora at 3 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the North Canterbury and Oxford Jockey Club; and at 3.15 p.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz. : J. G. Macdonald, president; G. V. Starkey, steward; M. Scott, treasurer; and A. J. Tullon. secretary. The Hon. D, Bmhlo, M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Rangiora at 3.40 p.m. and arrived at Ohoka at 4.20 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Ohoka-Eyreton Jockey Club; and at 4.30 p.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz.: J. 11. Power, H. A. Cooper, J. McGrath, C, McGrath, T. Mabley, J. Mortl.and, J. O'Connor, and C. Walker. The Hon. I). Buddo, M.P,, was present and introduced the deputation The Commission returned lo Christchurch at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, 3rd March, 1915. The Commission left Christchurch at 8.50 a.m. and arrived at Amberley at 10.31 a.m., and at, once inspected the course and appointments of the Amberley Steeplechase Club in connection with tile application of the Brackenfield Hunt Club. The Commission then left for Culverden, and on arrival at 12.30 p.m. met the following deputation from the latter club, viz. : M. Bethell, master; and Messrs. G. V. Starkey and G. Lance, committee. The Commission loft Culverden at, I p.m. and arrived at Kaikoura, at 6 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Kaikoura Racing and Trotting Clubs. At 7.30 the Commission met the following deputation from the I'ormei club, viz.: Edmund Parsons, president; R. T. Pope, secretary; and Messrs. G. Renner, I']. Gibson, T. Vangoni, J. Brier, J. Gilbert, C. \ r aile, J. G. Coffey, A. J. Marshall, F. Emms, I!. 11. Powell, ami W. Renner. At 8 p.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the Kaikoura Trotting Club, viz. : A. J. Marshall, president; F. Emms, secretary; and Messrs. J. W. Davidson, W. A. Smith, J. Fox, J. Maple, Edmund Parsons, R. T. Pope, G. Renner, W. Renner, E. Gibson, T. Vangoni, J. Brice, J. Gilbert, C. Vaile, J. G. Coffey, and I.'. H. Powell. The Commission then adjourned.

Thursday, 4th March, Mil". The Commission left Kaikoura. at 8 a.m. and arrived at Cheviot at 12.30 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Cheviot Racing Club; and at I p.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz. : R. C. Wilson, president; T. Sullivan, secretary; J. Fleming and T. C. Robinson, vice-presidents; W. Payne, treasurer; and Messrs. H. I). Leaman, E. J. Jackman. J. Speedy, P. Dalton, 11. GeesOri, W. Martin, J. X. Pritchard, R. Chisholm, J. J. MacCoskey, D. McLaren, C. Barnes, T. Taylor, and R. MolTaii, G. W. Forbes, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Cheviot at 2.8 p.m. and reached Christchurch at 6.45 p.m.

Friday, sth March, 1915. The Commission left Christchurch at 8 a.m. and arrived at Rakaia at D.30 a.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Rakaia Racing Club; and al 9.45 met the following deputation from the club, viz.: F. 0. May, chairman; J. V. Oxley, secretary; and Hon. C. A. C. Hardy, M.L.C., Messrs. L, Oxley, R. Harrison, W. J. Baxter, L. Ruddick, 'I. Blaokley, and A. J. Mason. W. J. Dickie, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Rakaia at 10 a.m. and arrived at Methven at 11.30 a.m., and met the following deputation from the Methven Racing Club, viz.: A. F. Cuff, chairman; J. F. Stone, secretary; H. McLean, J. Nee, D. M. McKurdy, T. Twomey, D. McDonald, —- Morgan, S. Smith, and P. McNeil, vice-presidents; W. Carleton, treasurer; IT. Greene, judge; S. G. Holmes, patron ; Dr. Mcßae, and Messrs. J. Pof'f, N. C. Nordgorst, — Fitz-Gibbons, J. McAnnully, C. Ireland, T. Doherty, John Stewart. F. Newman, - Crowley, and — Harrison, stewards. W. J. Dickie. Esq.. M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission then inspected the present course of the Methven Racing Club and the property which the club proposes to purchase for its new course. The Commission left Methven at 12.30 p.m. and arrived at Mount Somers at 2.30 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Mount Somers and Springburn Racing Club; and at 3 p.m. met the following deputation from tlie club, viz. : A. Harvey, president;

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W. Nosworthy, M.P., vice-president; C. Armstrong, chairman; C. Beckley, secretary; and Messrs. J. Wood, F. Porson, W. Smith, D. G. Wright, and W. Hood. W. J. Dickie, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Mount Somers at 3.30 p.m. and arrived at Christchurch at 9 p.m.

Saturday, 6th March, 1915. The Commission met in committee at 11 a.m., and decided to visit Orari on Thursday, 11th March, at 10.30 a.m., to consider the application of the Orari Jockey Club; Fairlie at 2 p.m. the same day, to consider the application of the Mackenzie County Racing Club; Washdyke Junction at 5 p.m. the same day, to consider the applications of the South Canterbury Hunt and Trotting Clubs; Waimate on Friday, 12th March, at 9.30 a.m., to consider the application of the Waimate District Hunt Club; Pahnerston South at 2.30 p.m. the same day, to consider the application of the Palmerston Racing Club; Mosgiel on Saturday, 13th March, at 10 a.m., to consider the application of the Taieri Amateur Turf Club; Wingatui at 10.45 a.m. the same day, to consider the application of the Otago Hunt Club; Naseby on Monday, 15th March, at 2 p.m., to consider the application of the Maniototo Jockey Club; Roxburgh on Tuesday, 16th March, at 10.30 a.m., to consider the application of the Bengerburn Jockey Club; Invercargill on Wednesday, 17th March, at 1.0.10 a.m., to consider the application of the Southland Trotting Club; Winton at 12 noon the same day, to consider the application of the Winton Trotting Club; Otautau at 2 p.m. the same day, to consider the applications of the Birchwood Hunt and Otautau Hack Racing Clubs; Clifden at 4.30 p.m. the same day, to consider the application of the Clifden Hack Racing Club; Lumsden on Thursday, 18th March, at 10.15 a.m., to consider the application of the Lumsden Hack Racing Club; and Hawea Flat on Friday, 19th March, at 11.30 a.m., to considei the application of the Upper Clutha Racing Club. The Commission then adjourned.

Thursday, 11th March, 1915. The Commission left Christchurch at 8 a.m. and arrived at Orari at 10.30 a.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Geraldine Racing Club in connection with the application of the Orari Jockey Club; and at 10.45 a.m. met the following deputation from the latter club, viz. : E. O'Malley, president; G. Warner, vice-president; G. Glover, secretary; and Messrs. W. Quirk, W. Mason, W. T. Turner, A. Brown, A. G. Macdonald, and A. W. Ensor, committee. The Commission left Orari at II a.m. and arrived at Fairlie at 1 p.m., and at 1.30 p.m. inspected the course of the Mackenzie County Racing Club, and met the following deputation from the club, viz. : W. Wreford, J. Binncy, W. T. Sams, J. Sherwin, G. A. Sherwin, 11. Kerr, R. E. Gillingham, jun., and Edward Gillingham. The Commission left Fairlie at 2.1.5 p.m. and arrived at Washdyke Junction at 4.30 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the South Canterbury Jockey Club in connection with the applications of the South Canterbury Trotting and Hunt Clubs. At 4.40 p.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the South Canterbury Trotting Club, viz. : Messrs. J. Hole, J. Robertson, F. J. Torrey, R. McLean, J. Gilchrist, H. Scarf, W. Connelly, and 11. Fraser, secretary; and at 5 p.m. met the following deputation from the South Canterbury Hunt Club, viz.: H. Elworthy, master; H. Innes-Jones, secretary; A. Elworthy and C. L. Orbell. J. Craigie, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputations. The Commission then proceeded to Timaru.

Friday, 12th March, 1915. The Commission left Timaru at 7.5 a.m. and arrived at Waimate at 9.30 a.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Waimate Racing Club in connection with the application of the Waimate District Hunt Club; and at 9.45 a.m. met the following deputation from the latter club, viz.: E. S. Rutberfurd, master; R. G. Rattray, deputy master; E. C. Studholnie and J. M. Rattray, secretary. The Commission also inspected the kennels of the club. The Commission left Waimate at 11.25 a.m. and arrived at Palmerston at 2.5 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Palmerston Racing Club; and at 2.30 p.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz.: 11. O'Neill, chairman; E. Lefevre, president; M. Power, secretary; and Messrs. E. H. Clark, Joseph Challis, J. Sloane, and D. McDonald. The Commission left Palmerston at 7.9 p.m. and arrived at Dunedin at 9 p.m.

Saturday, 13th March, 1915. The Commission left Dunedin at 9 a.m. and arrived at Mosgiel at 10 a.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Taieri Amateur Turf Club; and at 1,0.15 a.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz.: R. Green, president; Messrs. A. F. Quelch and J. Ellis. J. Dickson, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission then proceeded to Wingatui Racecourse, and at 10.45 a.m. met the following deputation from the Otago Hunt Club, viz. : B. S. Irwin, vice-president; Hugh Gourley, vicepresident; J. A. Jordan, master; A. C. Smith, treasurer; A. M. Shugar, secretary; Messrs.

3—H. 22.

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A. L. Oudaillc, J. M. Muir, and James Mouat. J. Dickson, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission also inspected the kennels of the club at Ocean Beach. The Commission then returned to Dunedin.

Monday, 15th March, 1915. The Commission left Dunedin at 7.52 a.m. and arrived at Naseby at 2 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Maniototo Jockey Club; and at 2.15 p.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz.: A. B. Armour, chairman; F. W. Inder, secretary; and Messrs. R. Froyer, J. I. Fraser, E. Brown, J. R. Smith, T. C. Hore, J. Buchanan, R. L. Francis, H. Moore, H. Wilson, T. B. McNeil, J. O'Malley, and A. Garland. R. Scott, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Naseby at 2.45 p.m. and arrived at Alexandra at 6.15 p.m.

Tuesday, 16th March, 1915. The Commission left Alexandra at 8.30 a.m. and arrived at Roxburgh at 11 a.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Bengerburn Jockey Club; and at 11.15 a.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz. : W. Bain, president; and Messrs. A. F. Roberts, J. Craig, R. Wilson, W. Townsend, A. G. Laoli, J. N. Gardner, J. Carty, J. C. Gilchrist, R. Cockburn, H. A, Tamblyn, J. McDowell, W. Kingston, C. Gunn, E. Garrett, A,. Donnelly, J. Sullivan, G. Brown, and J. Rattray. R. Scott, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Roxburgh at 12.15 p.m. and arrived at Invercargill at 9.15 p.m., and at once met the following deputation from the Southland Trotting Club, viz. : J. B. Thompson, president; W. A. Saunders, secretary; and Messrs. J. McDonald,. W. E. Taylor, J. W. P. Viokery, C. Haslett, F. Mason, J. H. Hill, R. B. Stiven, D. R. Jones, V. Coleman, and E. W. Howarth. J. A. Hanan, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission adjourned at 11 p.m.

Wednesday, 17th March, 1915. The Commission left Invercargill at 9.30 a.m. for Winton, and en route inspected the course and appointments of the Southland Racing Club in connection with the application of the Southland Trotting Club. The Commission arrived at Winton at 11.30 a.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Winton Racing Club in connection with the application of the Winton Trotting Club; and at 12 noon met the following deputation from the latter club, viz. : J. Tobin, president; W. Cowie, secretary; and Messrs. P. Keene, J. Keith, J. Loudrey, H. Finn, W. Muir, D. Calder, R. Jamieson, W. H. Brown, M. O'Brien, J. McDonald, J. O'Shannessey, D. McHugh, W. Swaile, J. Mill, D. W. Thomson, W. Norman, T. Cotter, A. Baird, M. Hishon, P. Parelle, H. Cunningham, George Bain, George Hamilton, R. Wilson, D. O'Malley, and J. Duffy. The Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Winton at 1 p.m. and arrived at Otautau at 2 p.m., and at once inspected the property on which the Otautau Hack Racing Club and the Birchwood Hunt Club propose to race. The Commission then proceeded to Clifden, arriving at 4 p.m., and at once inspected the course of the Clifden Hack Racing Club; and at 4.15 p.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz.: J. H. Tapper, president; S. Fowle, secretary; W. J. Gregor, vicepresident; and Messrs. T. Cochrane, G. Gardiner, J. Watson, G. Tapper, J. Robertson, R. Scott, J. King, and W. Bradley. The Commission left Clifden at 5 p.m. and arrived at Otautau at 6.30 p.m., and at 7.30 p.m. met the following deputation from the Birchwood Hunt Club, viz.: A. A. Liddell, master; E. Matheson, secretary; W. Ledingham, huntsman; and Messrs. J. G. Wade, Thomas Brennan, A. Harrington, E. Harrington, C. H. Williamson, P. Sheedy, J. Salton, G. Bain, J. B. Sutton, A. Macaulay, R. Mills, M. O'Brien, S. Porteous, G. Saxonhy, J. Fisher, J. Brass, W. White, A. Chisholm, W. A. Kerse, D. Gray, M. Royds, W. Keith, J. Brooker, and J. Wilson. At 8 p.m. the Commission met the following deputation from the Otautau Hack, Racing Club, viz. : M. O'Brien, president; and Messrs. A. Macaulay, A. A. Liddell, J. T. Brooker, T. Offreck, A. C. Mills, J. Fisher, jut]., W. White, E. Matheson, IT. Matheson, W. Burke, J. Brass, H. Chrisholm, A. Stevens, A. Harrington, J. Salton, W. Keith, E. Harrington, J. Wilson, G. Williamson. A. Gatehy, J. Devery, D. J. Gray, and M. Royds. The Commission then adjourned.

Thursday, 18th March, 1915. The Commission left Otautau at 7.30 a.m. and arrived at Centre Bush at. 8.30 a.m., and met the following sub-deputation from the Birchwood Hunt Club, viz. : Messrs. W. Crow, A. Jarrett, J. Swale, S. Sutton, and R. Shand. The Commission left Centre Bush at 8.45 a.m. and arrived at Lumsden at 10.15 a.m., and at once inspected the course of the Lumsden Hack Racing Club; and at. 11.30 a.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz. : Loftus I. Jones, president; J. Crosbie, vice-president; S. Griffiths, secretary; and Messrs. D. McLeod, A. MoAlister, A. Brooks, T. Small, A.. Small, D. Cunningham, J. Crawford, G. J. Johnston, and W. Varcoe. The Commission left Lumsden at 2.35 p.m. and arrived at Queenstown at 6.55 p.m.

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Friday, 19th March, 1915. The Commission left Queenstown at 7.30 a.m. and arrived at Hawea Flat at 11.30 a.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Upper Clutha Racing Club; and at noon met the following deputation from the club, viz. : Messrs. P. McCarthy, J. Fox, J. Stapleton, M. Alison, D. Urquhart, J. King, jun., J. King, sen., C. Munro, J. Templeton, and W. P. Cotter. The Commission left Hawea Flat at 1 p.m. and arrived at Naseby at 12 midnight.

Saturday, 20th March, 1915. The Commission left Naseby at 6.45 a.m. and arrived at Lyttelton at 8 p.m., and left by steamer for Wellington.

Saturday, 27th March, 1915. The Commission left Wellington at 1.15 p.m. and arrived at Nelson on Sunday, the 28th instant.

Monday, 29th March, 1915. The Commission left Nelson at 7.30 a.m. and arrived at Takaka at noon, and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Takaka Racing Club and the grounds of the Takaka Agricultural and Pastoral Association; and at 1 p.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz. : R. W. Kirk, president; S. G. Smith, secretary; and Messrs. R. T. Goodwin and F. and J. Reilley. The Commission left Takaka at 2 p.m. and arrived at Nelson at 6.30 p.m.

Tuesday, 30th March, 1915. The Commission left Nelson at 8.30 a.m. and arrived at Canvastown at 11.30 a.m., and at once inspected the course of the Havelock-Pelorus Hack Racing Club; and at noon met the following deputation from the club, viz. : E. F. Healy, president; and Messrs. C. F. Hart and E. J. Knapman. R. McCallum, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Canvastown at 1.30 p.m. and arrived at Blenheim at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, 31st March, 1915. The Commission left Blenheim at 8.30 a.m. and arrived at Wairau Valley at 10 a.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Wairau Valley Hack Racing Club; and at 10.30 a.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz. : James Brown, secretary; and E. Murphy, treasurer. R. McCallum, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission then returned to Blenheim, and left at 12.30 p.m. for Picton and Wellington.

Wednesday, 14th April, 1915. The Commission left Wellington at 7.45 p.m. and arrived at Christchurch at 7.30 a.m. and at Greymouth at 6.40 p.m. the following day.

FCiday, 16th April, 1915. The Commission left Greymouth at 8 a.m. and arrived at Hokitika at 9.40 a.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Westland Racing Club in connection with the application of the Westland Trotting Club; and at 10.15 a.m. met the following deputation from the latter club, viz. : C. J. P. Sellars, president; M. H. Houston, secretary; and Messrs. G. Houseman, W. J. Pritchard, H. A. Thompson, and J. J. Macintosh, stewards. The Commission left Hokitika at 1.1 a.m. and arrived at Harihari at 6.30 p.m., and at 7.30 p.m. met the following deputation from the Inter-Wanganui Racing Club, viz. : J. Hewer, secretary; and Messrs. A. Jamieson, — Jeffries, S. Ferguson, J. 11. Grimmond, Leo Haddock, R. Meharry, J. Wallace, F. Haddock, G. S. Robertson, W. Searle, J. Cropper, J. Ferguson, and J. Adamson. The Commission adjourned at 9 p.m.

„ Saturday, 17th April, 1915. The Commission at 6.30 a.m. inspected the course and appointments of the Inter-Wanganui Racing Club, and at 7.20 a.m. left Harihari for Hokitika and Greymouth, arriving at the latter place at 6.50 p.m.

Sunday, 18th April, 1915. The Commission left Greymouth at 9.30 a.m. and arrived at Westport at 5.30 p.m.

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Monday, 19th April, 1915. The Commission left Westport at 8 a.m. and arrived at Granity at 9.30 a.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Granity Trotting Club; and at 10.30 a.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz. : John Kerr, chairman; Charles Hall, secretary; and Messrs, P. Mclnerney, E. Griffiths, R. T. Watson, James Kerr, S. Bradley, G. King, J. Colligan, J. Dixon, W. Nesbitt, W. H. Morley, P. Kelly, and F. Quarter. J. Colvin, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission left Granity at 12.20 p.m. and arrived at Westport at 1.40 p.m., and at 2.30 p.m. met the following deputation from the Westport Jockey Club, viz. : H. Nahr and J. Lawson. The deputation informed the Commission that as they now found it to be impossible to obtain more than a one-day meeting under the Gaining Amendment Act, 1914, they had decided to withdraw their application, and to recommend the application of the Granity Trotting Club in lieu thereof. J. Colvin, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission then adjourned.

Tuesday, 20th April, 1915. The Commission left Westport at 7 a.m. and arrived at Karamea at 4.30 p.m., and at once inspected the course and appointments of the Karamea Racing Club; and at 7.30 p.m. met the following deputation from the club, viz. : Messrs. W. It. Simpson, S. Ramsay, J. McCreanor, J. Martin, C. Curtin, and J. Lamplight. The Commission then adjourned.

Wednesday, 21st April, 1915. The Commission left Karamea at 8.15 a.m. and arrived at Westport at 6.40 p.m. In response to a resolution passed at a special meeting of the Westport Jockey Club on the preceding day, the Commission met a deputation of about sixty members of the club at 7.30 p.m.; and the Commission, after due inquiry and inspection of the minutes of the Westport Jockey Club, being satisfied that the former deputation from the club on Monday, 19th April, 1915, had no authority whatever to withdraw the application of the Westport Jockey Club for a totalizator license, proceeded to hear the deputation in support of the application of the club. J. Colvin, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission then adjourned.

Thursday, 22nd April, 1915. The Commission at 6.15 a.m. inspected the property which the Westport Jockey Club proposes to acquire as a racecourse-site. The Commission left Westport at 7 a.m. and arrived at Murehison at 11.30 a.m., and at noon met the following deputation from the Murehison Racing Club, viz. : Messrs. H. Eraser, W. Watson, John Main, W. A. Reynolds, B. F. Spiers, P. Gamboni, W. Hunt, G. Anderson, W. Moxey, L. T. Warden, It. G. Mcßae, and T. G. Bennett. J. Colvin, Esq., M.P., was present and introduced the deputation. The Commission then inspected the course and appointments of the club, and at 1.30 p.m. left for Nelson and Wellington, arriving at the latter place at 4.30 a.m. the following morning.

Tuesday, 27th April, 1915. The Commission met at 10 a.m., and proceeded to consider its report, The Commission adjourned at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, 28th April, 1915. The Commission met at 10 a.m., and considered its report. The Commission adjourned at 5 p.m.

Thursday, 29th April, 1915. The Commission met at 10 a.m., and considered its report. The Commission adjourned at 6 p.m.

Friday, 30th April, 1915. The Commission met at 9.30 a.m., and signed its report. The Commission finally adjourned.

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MINUTES OF EVIDENCE. BEING EXTRACTS FROM THE FORMAL APPLICATIONS OF THE CLUBS AND REPORTS OF THE DEPUTATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATIONS. (Note. —For convenient reference the Racing, Hunt, and Trotting Clubs have been arranged in geographical order in their respective classes.) RACING CLUBS. Waipapakauri Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Waipapakauri. The club was formed twenty years ago, and has been registered since 1906. The last meeting was held in December, 1913. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The racecourse is a good one, and is perfectly level. The circumference is 7 furlongs. This club holds a legal and permanent lease of the racecourse. The accommodation consists of buildings for the sale of light refreshments, &c., for the convenience of the public. The committee contemplates the erection of a grandstand at an early date. At present the course is not fenced on the inside, merely flagged, but the committee has decided to fence the course, and this will be done as soon as possible. The nearest club using the totalizator is at Whangarei, two hundred miles distant. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are at Houhora, over thirty miles to the north, and Kawakawa, over one hundred and twenty miles to the south. Situated as our club is in the centre of the Mangonui County, in the Kaitaia district, a district which is rapidly forging ahead, and is without doubt destined to become a densely populated area, comprising as it does thousands of acres of good land eminently suited for horse-breeding, the granting of a totalizator license would be an incalculable benefit to the breeding of horses in this district. It would also be highly appreciated by a very large population who appreciate clean sport. A glance at the map will show the tremendous area north of Whangarei, which at present is unfavoured by the benefit of a totalizator license, if a license is granted we intend to pursue a progressive policy, and as the finances of the club increase under the benefit of the license, improvement to racecourse and accommodation, and also increase in prize-money, will certainly be made, in keeping with the financial status of the club. The prize-money for this year's meetingis £150. By the Deputation. —At our last meeting we charged Is. to go on to the course, and we took nearly £50 in gate-money. That is exclusive of members and their families, who are admitted free. We have a membership of nearly sixty. We had really good fields, and practically all the horses were local horses. The chief point on which we base-our claim for a license is the enormous extent of country in the North which is by no means developed, and which is going rapidty ahead. There is no totalizator permit whatever north of Whangarei. The people up here are very fond of sport, and they have absolutely no opportunity of attending a totalizator meeting. Very few can afford the time that it takes to get to the nearest totalizator meeting. The club has decided, in the event of a permit being granted, to fence the course right round with posts and rails in time for the next meeting, and they will also make a start on a grandstand and proper judge's box. The club will guarantee 'to do that work. Our course is held on a ten-years lease with a right of renewal. Our Cup race is run over a distance of a mile and a half, and one race on our programme is reserved exclusively for horses bred and owned in the Mangonui County. This meeting and the meeting at Kawakawa are the only meetings held in the whole of the electorate. Both Waipapakauri and Kawakawa are centres of population. No doubt it is a bit disappointing to you to come here and see no appointments at all, but we have had a tremendous struggle to carry on and give decent stakes. In this electorate we have double the population of any electorate in New Zealand, for the simple reason that we have as many Maoris as Europeans in it. We live a long way from Kawakawa, and it takes a person five days to go to Kawakawa and return here. A license at Kawakawa would be of very little use to any one in the far North because of the time it takes to go and come back here. Kawakawa Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Kawakawa. The club was formed forty-five years ago, and is a registered one. The last meeting was held in January, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 5 furlongs. The tenure is leasehold, being a yearly lease. The accommodation consists of a grandstand. With a totalizator permit we shall be in a position to make a 6-furlong track, and also to secure a twenty-one-years lease of the ground, and erect up-to-date appointments. The course is not fenced on the inside. The nearest club using the totalizator is forty miles distant. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are at Waipapakauri, about ninety miles distant, and Ngunguru, about sixty miles distant. We have held a meeting annually on the 29th January for the past forty-five years. Kawakawa is the centre of a large district,

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and race-day is looked upon as a day of reunion by old settlers and as a general picnic. If we secure a totalizator permit the club will have an assured finance, and will be in a position to raise funds for improvements by issuing debentures. By the Deputation. —Our club is situated practically in the heart of the Bay of Islands district. The railway is pushing on to Hokianga. We can arrange for excursion trains to run here from both ends, so we are in a very favourable position to gather a crowd. With a permit we would start work to make a decent track and provide up-to-date accommodation, but we cannot enter into liabilities until we know our position. With a permit we would be prepared to extend the course to an approved circumference. We are assured of a good totalizator turnover here, and our members' subscriptions have come to a fair sum each year. In the past the bookmakers considered this one of the best betting-places in the North. There is no totalizator permit between Whangarei and the North Cape. This is the oldest racing club in the Bay of Islands Electorate, and at the present time there is no permit in the electorate. At the last poll there were 6,300 European votes recorded in the electorate, and this is the most thickly populated portion of the electorate. Apart from that, there are probably as many Maoris in the electorate as there are Europeans, which gives us a large population to draw on. The railway has only been opened between here and Whangarei for the last three years, so the possibilities in the future will be much greater than in the past owing to further railway-extensions. Northern Wairoa Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Dargaville. The club was formed in 1878, and is a registered one. The last meeting was held in January, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The area of the racecourse is 123 acres, and the circumference is 6 furlongs. The tenure is freehold. The accommodation at present consists of temporary grandstand and booth. A fencing contract is let to fence inside of course. The nearest club using the totalizator is at Whangarei, forty miles distant. The nearest club not using the totalizator is at Matakohe, thirty-two miles distant. Owing to the fact that our club was first formed some forty years ago, and that nearly all the old books and documents have been lost or mislaid, we regret that we are unable to give the exact dates of matters which we wish to bring under your notice in connection with the history of the club, and which have been given us by old residents associated with the club in those days. The club was formed about forty years ago here, and the first totalizator was used some four years later. About 1894 the totalizator permit was lost on account of the action of the Auckland metropolitan authorities refusing to grant same, the reason assigned being that the dates of this club's meeting clashed with the metropolitan Christmas meeting. For some five years this existed until a country Racing Association was formed, and its influence with the authorities was the means of our club again securing the permit. However, in the year 1899 we again lost the permit, on account of the club not holding a race meeting, which state of affairs was brought about by the property used by the club for its course being required for buildingsites and no other suitable property being available. Consequently we have been endeavouring to carry on up to the present without the permit. One special claim why we should be granted a license is the fact that we are the centre of a large district, and so distant from other racecourses as to mean a loss of three days to attend a race meeting elsewhere. By the Deputation. —We would first point out that the inside of the course has been fenced since our application was sent in. We hold that this district is destined to be one of the most closely settled in the Auckland Province. We are a sporting community, and always have been so. We had a meeting this year under a temporary permit, and it was very successful. We got the Auckland Metropolitan Club to send a stipendiary steward here, and he was well satisfied with the way the meeting was conducted. It has always been our endeavour to carry on our meetings in a thoroughly clean way. We think it is possible to make our course equal to any country course in the Province of Auckland. We propose, in the event of securing a permit, to expend a considerable sum of money in necessary buildings. The course in its present condition will cost us approximately £1,500, and the improvements we propose to make will cost us another £1,500. We have done a lot of work on the course recently, and it is proposed to make further improvements in order to make the course as safe as possible. It is also intended to carry out a scheme of beautifying the property, which will extend over a period of five years, and will be carried out by a Hastings firm. We made a profit of £100 out of our last meeting, notwithstanding the fact that it was practically unknown that a permit would be granted for the meeting. We think the permits should be granted to the most flourishing towns and districts. Previously Dargaville was of mushroom growth, dependent on the kauri-gum and timber trades; now the district is becoming settled,, and is making steady and rapid progress of a permanent character, and this place will undoubtedly become a large and flourishing town. We have a valuable waterway here—the largest navigable river in Australasia—and there is a large number of settlements both up and down the river, which gives them a quick and easy access to Dargaville. The construction of the North Auckland Trunk Railway will also open up further settlements. Otamatea Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Matakohe. The club was formed thirty-five years ago, and is a registered one. The last meeting was held in January, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 6 furlongs. The tenure is leasehold—a lease for twenty-one years; rental, £5. The accommodation consists of committee-room, grandstand, jockey and weighing rooms. Buildings are all enclosed in a picket fence. There are two enclosures. There is no

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fence along the inner side of course, but it is fenced on the outer side for a third or more of the distance round. The public are kept off the course, and said fence protects them. The nearest club using the totalizator is at Whangarei, forty-five miles distant. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are the Wairoa Racing Club, thirty-five to forty miles distant, and the Helensville Racing Club, sixty miles distant. Our club is situated in the Otamatca County. The course is in Matakohe, about the centre of the county. We are a very representative club, and are supported by residents of all the surrounding districts for many miles._ We find that owing to not having a totalizator permit we are seriously handicapped. The district is growing. In a very few years the railway-line will be completed to Paparoa. The district adjoins Matakohe, the North Island Main Trunk line being the line in question. The line will be the means of greatly increasing the attendance of the public, also of horse-owners being able to get horses to and from the course easily. The buildings on the course are of recent erection, and have cost well on for £100. By the Deputation. —Our first claim for a permit is based on the fact that we are the only club that has been racing continuously in the North Auckland district for thirty-five years. There is nothing of a proprietary nature about our club. We get no assistance from outside sources. All our funds have been provided by the settlers of the district for the love of the sport and to provide an opportunity to try their horses. People have brought their horses here from Whangarei and Dargaville to try them when there was no other meeting north of Auckland. We have not much to show in the way of course and appointments after thirty years of existence, but we have been looking forward to the time when the railway would be opposite to us, and when we should be in a position to give better stakes and to get horses from Auckland. We are now negotiating for a course nearer the railway, and if we succeed we have no hesitation in saying we shall be in a better position to race than either the Whangarei or Dargaville clubs. We think we have a prior claim to a permit to any club north of Auckland. Our club has been fighting under difficulties ever since it started. Our district is becoming more thickly populated. The population in 1911 was 3,548. The unimproved value of the district is £571,304, and the capital value £949,386. The number of occupiers of 1 acre and upwards in 1911 was 624, and the total area of land in cultivation was 114,715 acres. The number of sheep in April, 1912, was 63,410; horses, 2,716; cattle, 24,376; and pigs, 2,757. As to the tenure of our present course, the club has the right to purchase the property at £20 per acre within a period of twentyone years, and we have decided to exercise that right. We have proved that we can breed horses in this part of the country, and we consider we should have the privilege of trying the horses we breed. We have always had the very best of police reports in regard to our racing. Our . meetings are run purely and simply for sport. We have never had an accident on our course or any nasty spill. The course is not all it might be, but it will be improved if we are put in a good financial position. If we get a permit we can say that at least £1,000 will be spent round the course in the next two years. We give over £100 in stakes now. Our club has always been sound. Practically every member of the club is a farmer directly or indirectly, and is here to stay. The advent of the railway makes this place a half-way stop between Auckland and Whangarei or Kawakawa, whichever may be the racing centre. Helensville Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Helensville. The club was formed about forty years ago, and is registered. The last meeting was held in May, 1914. A copy of the last balance-sheet has been forwarded. The course is perfectly flat, and the making of one of the best in New Zealand. The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs. The tenure is leasehold. There is accommodation for thousands of people. The course is not fenced on the inside. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are Avondale, thirty miles to the south, and Whangarei, one hundred miles to the north, and none to the east and west. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are Otamatea, about forty miles distant, and Northern Wairoa, about sixty miles away. From the first formation of the club until the bookmakers were wiped out, we had most successful meetings, and as the district is going ahead we feel assured that we only require a totalizator permit to run them again with success. The course is perfectly flat, and has the makings of one of the best in New Zealand, while the elevation in front forms a natural grandstand which would accommodate thousands of people; and we are prepared, in the event of our getting a totalizator permit, to fence the inside of the course and to erect suitable buildings. The railwayline runs right past the property, and in the past the Department has allowed the train to stop opposite the course. At present there is not a totalizator permit in the whole of the Kaipara Electorate. By the Deputation. —Helensville is one of the oldest racing districts north of Auckland. We started racing in 1864, and we continued successfully until the curtailment of the totalizator. This is a district which has gone in for breeding, and a good many horses have been turned out through this little meeting, but that has been stopped through the loss of our permit. We have a course which could be made second to none in the Dominion. It is a course which always gave fast times when in good order. The fastest time in the Auckland Province was made here. We are prepared to fence in the course and put it in order if we get a permit. The course belongs to Mr. Hand, and it is at the disposal of the club on any terms that we wish. We held two meetings without the bookmakers,, but we could not make a financial success of it. The course proper is 1 mile 2 chains in circumference. The course is not fenced on either side. The club has never paid for the use of the course in the past, and we have the word of the owner that we will not be called on to pay anything in the future. There is no lease in existence at the present time, but the owner is prepared to sell or lease the course to the club as we wish.

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Helensville has approximately a population of a thousand people. The average permit in the cities works out at about one in twelve thousand, and we reckon we have a population of forty thousand north of the Waitemata Harbour. We only ask for a permit on that basis. The people as far as the rail-head at Biokerstaflo and Otamatea would make use of this meeting. The facilities here are good both by train and boat. The people in the district are trying to improve the breed of horses, and they look upon this meeting, first, as a picnic outing, and, second, as affording an opportunity to the farmers to try their horses. Ngaruawahia Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Ngaruawahia. The club was formed in the year 1865, and is registered. The last meeting was held in February, 191.4. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. Ihe course was ploughed and grassed some years ago, after being laid out by an authorized surveyor. Ihe circumference of the course is 9 furlongs. The tenure is freehold, the section (No. 123 a) having been specially reserved by Government for a racecourse. It is now vested in the Ngaruawahia Domain Board, and brings in a rental of £45 per annum. The main building, consisting of a booth, stewards' and jockeys' rooms, was blown down last winter. The Domain Board has signified its willingness to rebuild before next meeting. Other accommodation consists of judge's box, shoeingshed, and the usual sanitary conveniences. The course is only partially fenced near the winningpost, but funds are available to complete it if necessary. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are South Auckland, thirteen miles distant; Te Aroha, forty-three miles distant; and Paeroa, fifty-eight miles away. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are at Whatawhata, twelve miles distant; Alexandra, thirty-seven miles distant; and Waipa, thirty-eight miles distant. We consider that we have a very special claim for consideration from the fact that the Government gave the district a racecourse, and should not withhold a license, without which it is useless for the purposes for which it was given. By the Deputation. —Our course is one which has been endowed by the Government for the express purpose of running races. We think the advantages of a Government-endowed course are obvious. We have to pay no rent for the privilege of running our races, and in our particular case we have the revenue that is derived from the tenant of the racecourse reserve, with which we propose to improve the course. The public also benefits, because through having no rent to pay we can give better prize-money, and so induce a better class of racehorse to run here. At the present time we are just merely meeting our expenses running without a permit, and that has been going on for the last five or six years. We have now an opportunity to get on a sound financial basis, and if we lose it the club will become a thing of the past. All the jockeys who come to Ngaruawahia say the course is the best in the district. The sandy nature of the soil makes it particularly adaptable for racing purposes. It can never become boggy. In ■the whole of the Raglan Electorate, which is very wide and scattered, there is not a racing club with a permit. Ngaruawahia is.in a very prosperous state at the present time. The new mine is turning out 400 tons of coal a day and is employing 130 hands, and the company expect in a short time to increase both the output and number of hands. Freezing-works are also beingstarted which will employ three hundred men, and these industries will increase our population by a thousand. This is also the centre of a large agricultural district. We would point out that four hundred residents of the district signed a petition to Parliament praying for a permit for the club. The petition was signed by residents as far down as Huntly and Pukekohe. If a permit is granted the Domain Board which controls the property is prepared to enter into an agreement to make improvements which will bring the course right up to date. The site is good, and we only want money to make the course and appointments good. The very fact that the course is a public reserve means that all the profits made out of the meetings will go back to the people in the shape of improvements to the grounds. The racecourse was vested in the Domain Board in 1886 as a racecourse pure and simple. A great many people would be drawn from the Waikato County to this course if a permit were granted. We have a regatta here annually which attracts from ten thousand to fifteen thousand people, which indicates that a race meeting with a permit would also be a great attraction. The railway facilities are all that could be desired for landing people on the course. We are strongly of opinion that these country clubs are entitled to consideration, because they help to bring forward a good class of weight-carrying distance horses which perhaps do well afterwards at the bigger meetings. Whatawhata Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Whatawhata. The club was formed in 1875, and was registered in 1891. The last meeting was held in January, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The course is situated half a mile from the township. The circumference of the course is 7 furlongs, and it is perfectly flat. The tenure of the course is leasehold, with five years to run and right of renewal. There is no grandstand, but there is a horse-paddock and saddling-enclosure, stewards' room, and conveniences. The course is fenced on both sides up length of straight and enclosed all round. The nearest club using the totalizator is at Hamilton, ten miles distant. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are the Pirongia Alexandra Club, eighteen miles away, and Kihikihi Club, twenty-five miles away. We consider we have a special claim not only on account of the length of time in existence, but we have never had a mark against us, and we are in the centre of a large dairying district where a number of sporting people reside and can attend to cows in the morning, attend races and witness a good day of clean racing, and get home in time to attend to dairying in the evening ; whereas if they had to go to the larger centres (which

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some would undoubtedly do) it would be impossible to return in time, and consequently cows would be neglected. We have raced for forty years, and have always been above suspicion. This district is situated on the eastern side of the Raglan and Kawhia districts, where they have no racecourse, and distant from thirty to fifty miles. Many of the cross-country horses have first raced on our course, and afterwards won races at Ellerslie and elsewhere. Many wellperformed horses have been bred here. Wo are situate about twelve miles from Ngaruawahia. By the Deputation. —We think we can say that the Whatawhata Racing Club bears a splendid reputation throughout the Waikato for fairness and for the prizes it has given. Our meeting here on New Year's Day is more a good picnic than a race meeting. We have raced continuously from the inception of the club forty years ago up to the present time. Our claim for a permit is principally based on the fact that this is the centre of a large dairying district. We have somewhere about a hundred members, and there are a good many sports amongst them. A, man who likes racing will see racing somewhere even if he has to neglect his cows, and that means a serious loss. Here they can get a good day's sport and attend to their cows both morning and evening. Some of the best horses that have gone to Auckland and some of the highestpriced hunters have been reared in this district. We think the whole of the Hamilton people would be pleased to see us get a permit, because our meeting is on New Year's Day, and that provides an enjoyable outing for those who cannot go to Auckland. We have only had one serious accident hero, and that was caused through bad riding. Alexandra Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Pirongia. The club was formed fifty-one years ago, and is registered. The last meeting was held in December, 1913. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 7 furlongs, and can be extended to a mile and, a quarter if at any time we can get the permit. The accommodation is not very extensive, and includes only small buildings, such as weighing'-in room and small stand (open) and judge's box. The course is fenced on the inside for about 200 yards at the straight. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are twenty-two and twenty-six miles distant, Hamilton and Te Kuiti* respectively. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are Te Awamutu, eight miles distant, and Kihikihi, twelve miles distant. Being such an old club we think that it should have a permit granted, as at present it is in a splendid financial position, having about £130 on hand, which is very good, for a small club, and the membership has increased by three to one on last year. By the Deputation. —Since we sent in the application our membership has increased to fifty-four. Tin's club was inaugurated by Colonel Haultain and the military officers, who started a race meeting when the troops were stationed here over fifty years ago. The meetings were continued after the withdrawal of the troops. At one time the meetings were run. by voluntary contributions, with a free gate. Our Cup has gradually increased from a£sto a £25 stake. A proof of the appreciation of our meetings is the attendance, and that is without a permit or the bookmakers. When we started to charge a gate we took £27, and at our last meeting we took £55, charging Is. entrance. Our membership fee is only 55., and a member is entitled to bring in two ladies. We have always had good nominations from all round the district and from. Cambridge and Auckland. The people look upon it as a picnic meeting, and they come from great distances to it. It is of great advantage to the dairy people, as they can have a good day's sport and get home the same day for their milking. There is not a race meeting between here and the coast. We were the first country club to register. This district is steadily going ahead. The land we are on is a domain, a gift from the Crown, and we have a right to hold one meeting a year for all. time, and a right to shift the course wherever we want it, and to make any improvements we think fit. We have raced continuously for fifty-one years. The club is prepared to spend any money that is required in improvements if we get a permit. We have enough ground here to make the course any distance or shape we like. This place drains a very big back country for stock. Mr. Simpson is a horse-owner, and has been racing up and down the coast for forty years, and he has never had better treatment anywhere than at this little meeting. This little course compares favourably with any country course he has seen. He works his horses here each morning. Several horses have graduated here and gone away, and that would not have occurred if there had not been this little meeting to try them. There are plenty of horses bred in the district, but the stakes are not big enough to encourage them to race, and it is too expensive to take them up to town. Waipa Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Te Awamutu. The club was formed fifty years ago, and is registered. The last meeting was held in August, 1914. Practically all prominent residents of this district are members of the amalgamated club—Waipa and Ohaupo number about ninety. Kihikihi Racing Club, with a membership of eighty, has decided to amalgamate with the Waipa Club if a permit is granted, and the prominent members of the Alexandra Club wilt also join us under same conditions. The Waipa Racing Club lost £30 on its last meeting, and although the meetings usually show a deficit we have been able to continue our races by the sportsmanlike and ready help received from our members and supporters generally. The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs. The course is lent by Mr. William Tavlor, " Greenhill." Te Awamutu. Temporary appointments have been made on the day of the races, but if honoured by a favourable consideration of our request I am directed to assure you that many of our members who take a keen intelligent part in racing and horse-breeding are prepared to guarantee that a racecourse and all necessary appointments for an up-to-date and well-conducted meeting shall be

4—TT. 22.

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made. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are Te Kiiiti, twenty-six miles distant, and South Auckland, twenty miles distant. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are the Alexandra, eight miles distant, and Kihikihi, three miles distant. As has already been pointed out, the Waipa Racing Club is the third-oldest racing club in the Auckland Province, and it has always been a matter of surprise, owing to the activity of hunter, thoroughbred, and trotter breeding in this wide and progressive district, that the use of the totalizator by the Waipa Racing Club was ever restricted; and I may further point out that horses for meetings south of this are all practically drawn from this and districts further north. The following is a copy of a petition forwarded to the Hon. the Minister of Internal Affairs, through Mr. J. A. Young, M.P., on the 27th October last :— " We, the undersigned members and supporters of the Waipa, Kihikihi, and Ohaupo Racing Clubs, respectfully pray that a totalizator permit be issued to this the Waipa district in the name of the Waipa Club. We would respectfully point out that this district is devoted very largely to the breeding of thoroughbred trotters and hunters and all useful classes of horses. Local breeders have imported at considerable cost many high-class types of stallions, and it is our desire to aim at all times for the encouragement of the breeding and maintaining of a high class of horses. We would also respectfully pray that you take into consideration the fact that the Waipa Club is the third-oldest racing club in the Auckland Province (Auckland first, Thames second, Waipa third), and that, in times of crisis, this locality has proved to be the musteringground for an unusually large percentage of service horses. Further, we would submit that the granting of a district permit will bring about an amalgamation of the three clubs and a corresponding reduction in the number of race-days. And your petitioners will ever pray.—Wm. Taylor, President, and 138 others." By the Deputation. —This is essentially a sporting community. We are sure that as practical men taking a bird's-eye view of this small corner of the district from this hill you will appreciate the possibilities of the district. There are thousands of settlers in the district which is served by the Waipa Club. Great as the progress of the district has been in the past, it is going to be very much greater in the future. This is essentially a dairying district, and dairymen cannot attend meetings which take them away from home overnight. The meetings at Hamilton and Te Kuiti are of no use to us. We must have a meeting that can be attended in the daytime, because the cows must be milked. This is also one of the most important horse-breeding districts in the North Island, if not in the whole Dominion. The district is suffering largely from the want of a stimulus, which a permit would give, to racing and the breeding of horses. The sporting proclivities of the district are proved by the fact that we have kept the sport of kings going for over fifty years without any assistance, except the assistance we got from the bookmakers before they were abolished. There is only one other club that has a permit between Taihape and Hamilton, and that is an important consideration, because the people here cannot travel far to attend race meetings. We have a ground that is peculiarly adapted for a course. We think Waipa stands level with any other club as a club which is carried on by sportsmen for the love of sport and not for any other purpose. Kihikihi and Ohaupo Clubs have joined with this club because we found it impossible to carry on our sport in any other way. We have some very highclass horses which have been imported at big expense, and we would like to sec the people who are breeding from them get a chance to try their horses on their own ground before taking them to the big centres. Kihikihi had a permit for this year, but we thought it was better to devote our funds to the patriotic and Belgian funds. We have a permit for 1916, but we want to combine with the Waipa people and have a decent meeting under conditions which will give the biggest convenience to the people. The railway-line traverses the course, and we can. get the trains to stop at the course. This deputation will give a full assurance that in the event of a permit being granted they will provide the most up-to-date conveniences, including a railwaysiding, for the use of the general public. Coromandel Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Coromandel. The club was formed in the year 1868, but was not registered then. The club held a totalizator permit in 1898. and was registered then and has been ever since. The last meeting was held in April, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The course is situated about a mile from the Town of Coromandel. The circumference of the course is 7 furlongs. The course has been in use for the last sixteen years. The accommodation consists of grandstand, stewards' room, jockeys' room, weighing-room, ladies' room, and publican's booth, also totalizator-bouse and judge's box. The course is not fenced in on the inside. The nearest club using the totalizator is at Thames, forty miles away. The nearest club not using the totalizator is the Tapu Sports Club, thirty-two miles distant. The club claims to have a special claim for consideration on account of the amount of breeding in the district both of the thoroughbred and the carriage horse. Another thing: the club is situated at the extreme end of the racing world on the Hauraki Peninsula, and being so isolated it is expensive to bring horses here to race, as the club is not in a flourishing financial state to offer large stakes without the aid of the totalizator to help increase the stakes and induce outside owners to come here and race. You will, see by the balance-sheet the club started the season 1913-1.4 with nothing in hand. By the Deputation. —When Coromandel formerly held a permit it was a busy mining centre. We then erected a grandstand at a cost of £300, and made very considerable improvements on the course. We were able to offer fair prizes, and we had successful meetings. When the mining boom burst we found we could not run our meetings at a profit, so we did not renew our appli-

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cation for a permit, and it lapsed. The present club under the present management came into existence about two years ago, and they have held very pleasant little meetings. We feel that if we could now get a permit we could hold a meeting which would attract horses such as we had in the old days. As you will see, Coromandel is very isolated. It serves a radius of sixty miles. Auckland is forty-live miles distant by sea, and Thames nearly the same distance by road. The course is on two properties, and we have a joint lease covering both properties for twenty-one years. The president of the club is the owner of the major portion of the property. The original rent was £20 a year, but that was reduced to £10 when the place went down. The lease gives us a right to use the land for as many days' racing as we require, and for a certain number of days before each meeting for exercising the horses. A fee of £1 per horse is charged for training, but that goes to the owner of the property and not to the club. We are now more of a farming community than a mining' community, and naturally now that the people are earning their living off the land their livelihood is more assured than in the mining days. We have not a large or wealthy population, but we think wo could successfully run a race meeting. Although we only had a fortnight in which to prepare for our meeting when we got a permit we ran a successful little meeting, giving about £81 in stakes. We think the isolation of the district entitles us to a permit. Coromandel is the only outlet for the whole of the peninsula, and the Mercury Bay district has a population of over a thousand people, in the last five years a butter-factory and saleyards have been installed here. The butter-factory has an output of 30 tons a year and is paying its way. There lias recently been a large increase in the flocks of sheep in the peninsula, and farming generally is in a flourishing condition. Every section has been taken up right from here to Mercury Bay, and the land is now going from mining to farming. At present, we should add, we have the course rent-free as long as the owner is alive and living in the district. We have some horse-breeders here. Royal Soult is a local stallion. Opotiki Jockey Club. The headquarters of the club are at Opotiki. The club was formed about forty years ago, and is registered. The last meeting was held in February, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 7 furlongs 32 yards, and it is vested in the trustees of the Domain Board. The accommodation consists of grandstand capable of seating 220 persons, two flights of steps which would accommodate another 200, refreshment-rooms, and lavatories underneath; wired in birdcage and saddling-paddock; separate building for secretary's office, stewards' room, weighingroom, and jockeys' room. Course is fenced on both sides all round, and railed along the straight. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are at Tokomaru Bay, on east, a hundred miles, and Tauranga, on west, eighty miles. The nearest club not using the totalizator is at Whakatane, twenty-four miles distant. The distance from other race meetings is a great drawback to breeders bringing out their horses, and we think for this reason alone we should be entitled to consideration. By the Deputation. —We think if there is any body in New Zealand who are entitled to a permit it is ourselves. We are absolutely isolated. We arc such a distance from any other totalizator meeting that it is a hardship on us to breed horses. We incur a great risk and much expense in bringing mares and thoroughbreds into the district, and after all we are handicapped by having no meeting at which to try our horses. If we do not get a permit we think we will have to cease our meetings, as we cannot carry on. When the bookmakers were allowed to bet we always received a certain amount of revenue from them, and that enabled us to carry on. We had £1.00 on fixed deposit when the bookmakers were abolished, but that amount has dwindled down to about £19, and we soon will have no funds if our sporting fellows do not dip their hands into their pockets. We think we are right up to date in our course and appointments, and if we get a permit we arc prepared to do whatever else is considered necessary. We are in a position in regard to our racecourse that is not equalled anywhere in New Zealand. All the members of the Domain Board are keen sports, who are willing and anxious to have the place kept up to date. We find that since we lost the bookmakers our meetings have gradually gone down through lack of support. We resolutely refused to allow illegal betting, with the result that bushworkers and others who have big cheques go away to Rotorua and Auckland and Gisborne and spend the money which should be spent in this district. Opotiki is an old settled place, and it has made great strides in the last four or five years. Our little meeting is looked upon by the town and country people as the event of the year, and it helps to make up for the loss of amusements that we suffer through our isolation. It has always been the aim of our club to keep the standard of the club and of racing as high as possible. Opotiki for some years has prided itself on the class of horses it has bred here—not racehorses, but good hacks; but the farmers cannot prove their horses without a meeting here. In our immediate vicinity we have about 100,000 acres of first-class country in which to breed first-class horses. Many men and many good horses have gone from here to the war. We think this district can breed as good horses as any in New Zealand if we have an inducement to do so. We have averaged eleven nominations for each of our race meetings. We have the assurance of the Domain Board that the racecourse will be kept in thorough order for racing purposes, and that the whole of the rent accruing to the Board will be set aside for improving the course and appointments. Taumarunui Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Taumarunui. The club was formed in 1905, and is registered. The last meeting was held in 1909. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. A tracing of proposed course is enclosed showing old course previously used. The circumference of the course is furlongs.

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The course is situated oil a borough reserve, and the racing club has the right for all time to hold race meetings on it. There is no accommodation on the new course. The course is not fenced on the inside, but financial arrangements have been entered into to make all improvements necessary to comply with any law governing racecourses, provided a totalizator permit is obtained. The nearest clubs holding race meetings are at Te Kuiti, 011 the north, fifty miles, and Marten, on the south, one hundred and fifty miles distant. The glowing population and extensive developments of our large district, centred as it is in the unique position of bordering on three provinces, and the assured circumstances of becoming a great stock and breeders' district, which to-day on a popular basis claims a parliamentary electorate and two others running well into the locality, are reasons sufficient to entitle our claim to consideration. Moreover, the great distance we are from other registered racecourses prevents the masses of the people from ever having one day's enjoyment in a day's racing, which we claim is a national sport. We would gain great assistance in having a totalizator permit, as our finances would be assured, and we would thereby be enabled to develop our grounds, which would also contain a domain and agricultural showgrounds. It is the general desire of the people to enjoy witli other more fortunate places the privilege of a permit. By the Deputation. —We feel that our application would carry more weight with those conversant with the district. We are right in the centre of a very large area of country which is being rapidly settled —so rapidly, in fact, that people, excepting those who come in daily contact with it, do not realize the progress that is going on. We are the outlet for the Ohura district, which will assist very much in sporting work, as it is a stock-raising and farming district. There is no race meeting held on either side of us between Marton and Te Kuiti. Although we are only a young district we do not think this application is premature, because we are growing so rapidly. We would like in this connection to point out the difficulty of the town tenure. The main portion of the town consists of Native leases, and there is not a single endowment for the benefit of the town : yet, notwithstanding this, the Town Council has already spent £30,000 on improvements. Our course is a recreation-ground, and a condition of the lease between the Council and the racing club is that the rent is to be spent in improvements. If we are assisted with a permit the improvements made on the ground will be for the benefit of the general public not only of Taumarunui, but of the whole of the surrounding districts. Of course, the club will have to erect buildings, subject to the approval of the Council. The object of the Council is to make the reserve attractive as a showground as well as a recreation reserve. We would like to point out also that the bookings at Taumarunui Station are far and away ahead of those at Te Kuiti. There are about fifty miles of watershed around Taumarunui that is not served by any racing club. So far as the business people are concerned, they have no chance of visiting a race meeting nearer than Auckland, owing to the fact that the nearest clubs hold their race meetings on our working-days. We ran race meetings here successfully when the bookmakers were in existence, but when they were abolished we had to cease for financial reasons. A large amount of money which should be spent in the district where it is earned is taken away in the holiday season for want of a day's sport here. We have a lot of keen enthusiasts here. The whole of the improvements at present on the course were done by working-bees. The plan attached to the formal application is the plan at present under consideration of the club. Te Karaka Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Gisborne. The club was formed in October, 1902, and is registered. The last meeting was held in January, 1914. The club has held a race meeting in each year since the date of its formation. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 1\ furlongs. The club is the owner of the freehold of the land (66 acres 1 rood 12 porches), on which is erected a grandstand, secretary's room, jockeys' room, weighing-room, and a ladies' cloak-room and conveniences, &c. A considerable sum of money has been spent in improving the land, and further arrangements are being made to improve the buildings and appointments with a view to making the club's premises thoroughly up to date and ample for all requirements. The course is fenced all round on the inside. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are the Povertyßßa r Turf Club, eighteen miles distant, and the Gisborne Racing Club, twenty miles distant. The nearest club not using the totalizator is at Opotiki, eighty miles distant. The Gisborne-Motu Railway passes immediately alongside the racecourse, and every facility has always been afforded by the Railway authorities for the conveyance of passengers to the club's meetings. Such meetings are a source of revenue to the Railway Department. As the recent legislation prohibited the club from allowing bookmakers to practise their calling at future meetings the club will be deprived of a substantial revenue, and if the permit now applied for is refused the club will in all probability be compelled to discontinue its meetings. Tire Te Karaka Racing Club is the only racing club within the County of Waikohu, which is a large and prosperous district, of which Te Karaka is the centre. Furthermore, there are only two totalizator clubs in the Bay of Plenty Electorate—viz., Rotorua and Tolaga Bay—and these are very many miles distant from Te Karaka. The Te Karaka Racing Club meetings are very popular; the attendance is always large, and has been growing year by year, and to country residents particularly these meetings are a source of much pleasure and recreation, and afford an opportunity for the settlers of the backblocks to meet and enjoy something of the privileges of city residents. If you cannot see your way to allow a racing club permit we would be glad to get a hunt club permit. By the Deputation. —This club has been racing, on and off, for about thirty years. At one time we had a totalizator permit, but owing to the difficulty of securing land for a racecourse we were unable to get a further permit. We secured a suitable section for a course in 1902.

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We effected our improvements on overdraft. There is a liability of £1,800 on the property, which is guaranteed by nine out of sixty-six members. We had a heavy flood at the beginning of this year which swept away practically the whole of our improvements and silted up a large portion of the course, The Racing Conference has given us permission to postpone our meeting until later in the year; but the committee decided they could not effect any further improvements until they knew if they were going to get a permit or not. Since 1892 the population of the district has greatly increased. We serve a huge district extending about a hundred miles. We have no racing here between October and February. We have raced for the past three or four years at a loss. When we had the bookmakers we used to get as many as three thousand people on the course at our meetings. That is sufficient to show that a totalizator meeting would be well patronized. Although we are only twenty miles from Gisborne we have many people who cannot afford to go and stay for a night or two there for the two-days meeting. Te Karaka is the centre of a big breeding district, and up to the present owners have had absolutely no encouragement here. We have something like eighty to ninety horses at work. We have not yet approached the Poverty Bay Hunt Club, but we thought if we could not get a permit we might join in with them; but the hunt club races in the winter, and we do not think our course would be suitable for them. Petane Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Petane. The club was established in 1879. Since 1890 the club has not used the totalizator, but has carried on the business as a non-totalizator club. ft is a registered club. The last meeting was held in November, 1913. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 7 furlongs 3 chains. The racecourse is used for one day only in the racing season, and the tenure of the club at present only applies to that particular day. Should circumstances warrant, the committee can make arrangements to have a lease granted to them of the course and the grounds appertaining to it. The accommodation consists of only a small grandstand, but should our application for a totalizator permit result in our receiving the desired authority we are prepared to erect suitable buildings for the accommodation of all concerned. The course is fenced ail round on the inside. The nearest club using the totalizator is the Napier Park Racing Club, situate ten miles distant. The Petane Racing Club is the only non-totalizator club which purposes holding its annual race meeting in the Hawke's Bay District, the other non-totalizator clubs which have been registered by the New Zealand Racing Conference having abandoned their dates, and have decided to relinquish holding meetings. By the Deputation. —We are the only registered non-totalizator club in the district. That we have a hard struggle to live is shown by the number of clubs going out of existence. The largest amount put through the totalizator in a day here was £850. One year the club gave £300 in stakes. Then the Petane Cup was worth £100. We are always patronized by good horses and big owners. We go in for a good deal of long races —one mile and a quarter and one mile and a half —so as to encourage the breeding of good horses. Donations and subscriptions total more than half the stakes. We have very good promises of support. It would be a great thing for the district if we could get a permit, as this is the only day's sport for the people here. The nearest place is Napier. The committee are prepared to spend a considerable amount on the course if a permit is granted—at least £1,000. The only other meeting, except Napier Park, is at Wairoa, which is eighty miles away. Waipawa County Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Waipawa. The club was formed forty-four years ago, and is registered. The last meeting was held on the 9th November, 1910. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The club's racecourse is situated at Hoinewood, about three miles from the Waipawa Railway-station, and one mile from the Patangata Road siding, where the race-trains stop. The area of the property is 62 acres. The circumference of the course is 7 furlongs 1 chain. The tenure is leasehold, ninety-nine years from the Ist March, 1898, with compulsory purchasing clause, by valuation, at end of term. The rent is £62 per annum. The accommodation consists of a grandstand, luncheon-room, bar, stewards' room, ladies' cloak-room, totalizator-stand, secretary's office, jockeys' dressing-room, clerk of scales' room, judge's box, scraping-shed, gentlemen's conveniences, the whole being iv good condition. Inside the course 'proper there is a ploughed training-track. The course is fenced all round on both sides with good post-and-rail and picket fences. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are Waipukurau, ten miles distant, and Hawke's Bay Jockey Club, twenty-five miles distant. There is no club racing in this district which does not use the totalizator. We would point out that for over twenty years the club was granted two totalizator permits. One permit was taken away by the New Zealand Racing Conference in 1908 and given to the Dannevirke Racing Club. The remaining permit was taken away solely through the 1910 gaming legislation. Both permits were taken away from the club through no fault or omission on the part of the club or its officials; all race meetings have been carried out in a proper manner and with credit to the club and district. Since the club lost its permit in 1910 it has maintained continuously and husbanded its assets to the best advantage. By the Deputation. —There is a considerable area of country which has looked upon the Waipawa Club's race meeting as an outing which was pleasurable and social, rather than as a means of assisting to build up totalizator records. We hold that small meetings, such as those at Waipawa, have encouraged a class of horses to start racing which have eventually succeeded in taking a very prominent place in racing in New Zealand. When the club took up its lease

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of ninety-nine years it took it on the best terms it could get. The ground is let for grazing purposes at £40 a year, so the club is losing the difference between that sum and the rent during the balance of the lease if it does not get a permit. The grounds are in fair order, but a fair amount of money will be necessary to put the buildings in order, and this will be done if a permit is granted. Ashhurst-Pohangina Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Ashhurst. The club was formed in 1891, and is registered. The last meeting was held on the 29th December, 1910. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The membership of the club at the time that the permit was taken away stood at 144, and can again be brought to this financial strength on the club being reinstated. The racecourse consists of 40 acres of freehold and 15 acres of reserve, 2 acres of the latter, forming part of the track, being held on a twenty-one-years lease from His Excellency the Governor. The circumference of the course proper is 8 furlongs less 50 yards. The accommodation consists of a grandstand, 108 ft. by 30 ft., with dining-rooms for public and officials, publican's bar, kitchen and pantry; ladies' room underneath; officials' building (two-storied); jockeys' room and handicapper's room; secretary's room on ground floor, and rooms for Press and stewards, with balcony overhead; totalizatorhouse to accommodate four machines; judge's box fitted with number-board; and stables consisting of fifteen stall and loose boxes. Connected with the stables are necessary urinals. The club's course proper is fenced on the inside. The training-track and ploughed gallop are fenced on the inside. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are Awapuni, twelve miles distant, and Woodvllle, ton miles distant. The nearest club not using the totalizator is Pahiatua, twenty miles distant. We would like to point out that the club held a license for twenty-one years, but the same was withdrawn as a result of the 1910 gaming legislation. The club was the leading oneday club of the Dominion. The racecourse being adjacent to the railway makes it most convenient for owners, trainers, and the sporting fraternity. The course and the grounds are used as a recreation-ground by various sporting bodies, and the non-reinstatement of the club would mean the loss of public grounds. Mr. Hunter's Bill was passed primarily to relieve clubs situated in our position. Six horses are being trained on our tracks at the present time. By the Deputation. —Our district extends between forty and fifty miles in a northerly direc tion, and nearly everybody in this closely settled area is interested in this racing club. As soon as the club was passed out of existence the great majority of the settlers ceased to take any interest in racing, because they are practically cut off from any other racing centre. The course ..and appointments here show, we think, that the people of this small district are alive to the interests of sport. These improvements have all been provided out of the pockets of the people of this small district. This is a country club in the truest sense of the word, and it gave the biggest stakes possible in order to encourage the breed of horses. It occupied a prominent position in New Zealand for its stakes. It also established a classic race, the Ashhurst Guineas, which did a tremendous lot of good not only to this district, but to the whole coast. That one race did a vast amount of good in encouraging the breed of horses. There was scarcely a man who did not have a good mare for breeding purposes. This is a freehold course. There is a small overdraft of £500 with the bank, and we think it is a pity we should lose our freehold property after all the time and money spent on it. If we do not get a permit we cannot keep the course. We cannot let the property without destroying our buildings and improvements. If we sell, the town will lose this ground for picnics and sports gatherings. We have paid on an average something like £1,250 in stakes per day for many years. It is out of the question for settlers and their families who live eighteen or twenty miles away to go to Palmerston or Feilding for a day's sport. We claim to be the premier hack'club of the Dominion, and we think it is generally acknowledged that the finding of the previous Commission came as a surprise to all disinterested parties. Our lease from the Crown has fourteen years to go. We recognize that the course slopes outwards in some places, and it is our intention to rectify that at the turn. Pahiatua Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Pahiatua. It was formed on the 3rd June, 1891, and is registered. The last meeting was held on the 13th May, 1914, without a totalizator. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The course is 1 mile 3 chains in circumference, 22 yards in width, banked on turns, with a straight of a quarter of a mile in length. The tenure is freehold. The accommodation consists of a grandstand, small stewards' stand, ladies' cloak-room and lavatories; jockeys', Press, weighing, and secretary's rooms; dining-room, publican's booth, and kitchen; there is a raised terrace in front of the stand; horse-stalls; water-closets and urinals inside, also outside enclosure; judge's box, and totalizator-house. The course is all fenced inside and outside. There is also a trainingtrack which is half a chain in width. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are Woodville, thirteen miles distant, and Masterton, forty miles. We would point out that the population of the Pahiatua district, county and town, taken with the adjoining counties of Akitio, Eketahuna, town and county, and Alfredton, is 10,124. This district is known as the Forty-mile Bush, and is without a totalizator permit. It was all dense heavy bush, and is settled by small settlers who cannot afford to lose the time to go a distance for a day's sport. As Pahiatua is centrally situated, with an up-to-date racecourse and appointments, it would give these settlers a day's racing if the club had one of its days restored. Our club had two days with a totalizator permit. We gave £1,150 in stakes. We had 327 nominations from horse-owners for our last totalizator meeting, showing our popularity with horse-owners. We have expended £3,390 on the course and appointments.

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By the Deputation. —We consider we were not fairly dealt with by the previous Commission. Our club has been racing for twenty-one years, and we are very largely a country club. It has been very well patronized, and all who have attended our meetings have been very well satisfied with the sport we have given them. We spent a great deal of money in purchasing the freehold of the present course, and, we have made one of the best galloping-tracks for a country- club in New Zealand. We have always used our best endeavours to keep the sport clean. We have had three race meetings without a permit, and the fact that the meetings have been successful points clearly to the fact that the racing public in our vicinity and outside the district hold our view that our club should not have been deprived of its permit. We first started on a leasehold course, on which we expended £1,200. Then the stewards came to the conclusion that if we wanted an up-to-date course it was desirable to secure a freehold, and that was done. So practically our expenditure of £1,200 was lost to us. Our new course was very heavy bush country, and we had expended £3,390 in putting it in a state of repair when we lost the permit. We really were not given a chance to see the previous Commission. Last year the district exported £300,000 worth of produce, which shows that we can support a good club. We gave £1,150 in stakes on two days, and we always got the best officials we could. Our course is really the only recreation-ground in the district. All our heavy expenditure was incurred in preparing the course, and we really think we lost our permit through making an effort to get an extra up-to-date racecourse, and through taking the view that buildings are only a secondary matter which can be improved from year to year. Those responsible for racing here guaranteed £2,400 at the bank, and in addition we owe a considerable amount on debentures. The previous Commission suggested an amalgamation with the Woodville Club, but at the same time they took away any basis on which we could approach the Woodville Club. Woodville had four days' racing, and still have it. We could offer them nothing. Therefore the Commission's suggestion was impracticable. No opportunity was afforded us to meet the late Commission and put our case before them. Lower Valley Jockey Club. The headquarters of the club are at Martinborough. The club was formed about 1874, and is registered. The last meeting was held in September, 1910. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is about 8 furlongs. The tenure is freehold. The course is fenced both inside and outside. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are about eleven miles distant. There are no clubs in the Wairarapa not using the totalizator. We may state that our club was, up to the withdrawal of its permit, the oldest jockey club in the Wairarapa, having held races continuously for over forty years. It was considered a gala day by the population spread over the wide area of scattered country in the Lower Valley, as well as by the people of the Township of Martinborough. The property on which our club held its last meeting is a freehold one, having been purchased about twenty years back. The area consists of some 101 acres, on which the club at the time of purchase raised a loan of £650 from the Advances to Settlers Office. This loan is now greatly reduced by repayments on the instalment system. Tn fencing, planting, laying down the racingtrack, and erection of grandstand, stalls, totalizator, and other necessary buildings, &c, a floating overdraft was incurred which at the time of our losing the permit by the reduction imposed by Parliament stood at over £700. So that the property, which was then valued at £2,500, should not be permanently lost to the district and Town of Martinborough, a successful attempt was made by the club's executive and friends, largely assisted by Mr. John Martin, to pay off the floating overdraft by way of voluntary donations. When this was accomplished the property was vested in trustees for the benefit of the people of the district for all time, with a particular reservation to the Lower Valley Jockey Club that should at any time a permit be available the club have free use of the property for the purpose of holding race meetings. At the time of the withdrawal of permit our membership exceeded 150, which at the present time could he greatly increased on account of the very large increase of population, in the Martinborough district. In the past we have catered considerably for hunters, as will be seen by the programme attached, and it is our intention to go on on the same lines in the future should our claims meet with your approval. By the Deputation. —lt is five years since we lost our permit, and that accounts for the condition of our buildings. The debt at present on the course is the loan originally raised under the Advances to Settlers Act, and the payment for interest and sinking fund is about £35 a year. The property is let for grazing purposes, and the rent is about sufficient to pay the interest', but it has left us nothing for maintenance. This has always been a " horsey " district. The annual meeting here until the permit was taken away was more of a social gathering than anything else. We have a big scope of hack country right away to the sea. People came many miles to attend this meeting, and it was considered a great hardship by the settlers outback especially to be deprived after so many years of our permit. Our meetings were always conducted in a proper way. The population in the district is not a very numerous one, but the character of the district is such that the population is bound to grow. The people here are a sporting community. Should a permit be granted, we have no hesitation in saving that the people of the Lower Valley will rise to the occasion, and that what is dilapidation and decay will give wav to a rejuvenation of the course. Waitara Racing Club. The club was formed thirty-five years ago, and for some little time raced without a totalizator permit. It is registered, and the last meeting was held in December, 1910. Owing to the fact that the club lost its permit it naturally became moribund, having practical.lv no status quo, and from that time the membership matter has not been pursued: but in the usual course of events

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the number of members was about forty. With the ever-increasing population to the north of Waitara, and, further, owing to the fact that a " no-tote" club existed and raced at Waihi, some six miles to the north of Waitara, and, like this club, became non est when the new Act came into force, the members of which would become members of this club, if allowed a permit certainly a membership of at least eighty could be counted on. A copy of the club's last balance-sheet has been forwarded. The course is situated at Lepperton Junction, that being a most convenient place for the public and owners, &c. The course is just short of 7 furlongs. The property is of an area of 45J acres, is freehold, and the only amount due on it is that shown on the balancesheet owing to the Bank of New Zealand. As will be seen, the buildings have almost been written off, and this would have been done in its entirety had the club raced another year, when the proposal to put new structures up would have been gone on with. As it stands, the property, without buildings, is worth £40 per acre. There is a grandstand, stables, and other outbuildings, which, however, are now in a state of disrepair owing to the fact that it was the club's intention, to erect new buildings entirely. There is a fence right round the race-track on the inside. The distance from nearest places at which race meetings are held by clubs using the totalizator are —New Plymouth, seven miles, Stratford, twenty miles south, and Opunake and Egmont Clubs. The total number of race-days allocated to the whole of Taranaki is eleven. Prior to the passingout of the Patea and this club there were thirteen days' racing in Taranaki. The club would like to impress on you that Taranaki, with its ever-growing population, especially to the north of Waitara, enjoys such meetings of a picnic nature as were provided by this club. We used our best endeavour to have clean sport, and until the position was forced on us we scrupulously kept the bookmaking and spieling fraternity off the property, and for the whole of the time we held race meetings we went to the expense of retaining the services of the late James Waldron to keep undesirables off the course so that patrons ran no risk of being either taken down or robbed by light-fingered gentry; hence our being able to call it a picnic meeting for the country folk. It cannot be said by any stretch of imagination that Taranaki is overburdened with racedays. In. fact, we venture to say that even with the thirteen days that existed previous to the finding of the Commission no one ever suggested that there was too much racing in the province. By the. Deputation. —We have done nothing to the course since we stopped racing, as we did not feel justified in spending money on it in the circumstances. We have spent about £30 in the last twelve months in putting up boundary-fencing. The course is let for grazing at £1. per acre, which brings in just sufficient to pay our interest charges and pay for maintenance. We owe about £288 by way of overdraft, which is guaranteed by the trustees. We are a comparatively old-established club, and we do not like the idea of being knocked out, especially as we hold the freehold of the ground. We lost our permit under the old Commission. We are a fairly good sporting community. In Waitara there are about sixteen of us with from twenty to twentyfour horses, and we keep between, ten and twelve horses in training. We think it is hard to have to take them away to be raced. There is no other club between here and Te Kuiti to the north, a distance of 105 miles. Waitara is the town that serves the northern country. The Te Kuiti Club came into existence when we went out. We were the second club in Taranaki to give £100 for a Cup race. At our last meeting we gave, roughly, £405 in stakes, the £100 Cup being the biggest stake. Ours was just a big picnic meeting for the whole of the country to the north. People came from as far north as Mokau. A fair average of the money put through the machine Would be a sum between £3,000 and £4,000. We were in the unfortunate position of not having a public holiday for our meeting. A. point in our favour is that our course is right alongside a railway-junction. We do not race for the benefit of stables and hotels in the town. This is a most convenient place for the whole countryside. The course could be enlarged by acquiring more property on the northern side. The land would, cost us on an average £40 to £50 per acre to buy. We would require another 10 or 12 acres. Patea Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Patea. The club was re-formed about 1889, and is registered. The last meeting was held in April, 1912. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs. The tenure is leasehold, with eight years to run. The accommodation consists of grandstand, jockeys' room, totalizator-house; stewards', Press, secretary's, and clerk of scales' rooms; judge's box, and twelve .stalls for horses. The racing and training tracks are securely fenced on both sides. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are ten miles to the south, and twenty miles to the north. The nearest club not using the totalizator is the Egmont-Wanganui Hunt Club, forty miles south. After having had a totalizator permit for so long we look upon the loss of the permit as a very great hardship. This meeting has been looked forward to by residents both in and outside of this district as a very pleasant outing, being the only meeting held on Easter Monday on this coast. Meetings such as we have conducted here are very necessary as a stimulus to the breeding of horses, as in many cases the excellence of a horse would never have been known had it not been for the smaller meetings, which act as a nursery for the bringingout of the racehorse. By the Deputation. —This is one of the oldest clubs in the North Island. The reason this club was struck out of the list and Waverley left in was largely because at present it has only a leasehold course. We think we have a very just claim to be reinstated now that the opportunity to put us back presents itself. Naturally the course is not, at present in very good condition, as it has not been used for a number of years. After losing our license we ran one meeting and lost £300. The day was wet. We had no bookmakers. Just prior to losing the permit we spent £380 on improvements, so the course could quite easily bo made a very good one. At our last

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meeting with the totalizator we put through £8,160. We are still in credit. At our last meeting, when we lost £300, we gave £450 in stakes. Previously we gave £550. The loss of our permit was considered as big an injustice to Taranaki as it was to Patea. Ours was the only race meeting at Easter-time between Auckland and Feilding. All the people in Taranaki used to come to our meeting. This is a very central position for securing a good attendance. We have had bigger attendances here than at Hawera. This is a very thickly populated district. The people are engaged in dairy-farming, and the holdings range from 60 to 100 acres. Horowhenua Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Levin. The club was formed in 1897, and is registered. The last meeting was held in January, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The racecourse covers 70 acres (all boundaries fenced), and is planted. The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs. The tenure is freehold, comprising the whole 70 acres. The accommodation consists of grandstand inside and outside, stewards' rooms, jockeys' room, weighing-room, Press room, stalls for horses in saddlingpaddock, training-stables, twelve loose-boxes, feed-room, harness-room, boys' room, and fiveroomed cottage for trainer. The course is fenced inside and outside. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are at Foxton, fourteen miles distant, and Otaki, fourteen miles south. No doubt you are aware that our permit was taken away by the 1910 Racing Commission. We have a freehold of 70 acres, with all necessary buildings, training-tracks, stables, <fee. The grounds are all planted, and all have been laid down at great cost —over £5,000. We hold our agricultural shows and the trotting club had their meeting on this course. The grounds are also used by the people of Levin for school picnics and foot racing, &c. Since losing our permit we have been able to keep same going by the assistance of bank, local authorities, and people of Levin. If our permit is not now returned the grounds will have to be I'll! up find sold, which will mean a very big loss to Levin, which has no other grounds available. By the. Deputation. —We are in. a very fertile district, and the course does not require any recommendation whatever. We think we have all the appointments here to warrant you giving us our permit. We have a very successful agricultural show here. The show next Wednesday will be the ninth, and this year the entries are almost double those of last year. The show is held on the course at the invitation of the racing club, and if we do not get a permit we will not only lose our racing but the show and everything. We consider we have one of the best tracks of any up-country meeting in the Dominion. We have had a record put up on our course. We have a training-stable here. Our ground is used by the whole of the people of Levin, and we are loaning the Territorials the use of the course and buildings without fee in April next. The school picnics are held here. Our only alternative if we do not get a permit is to cut up the property, and that would be a big loss to the district. It has cost our members a lot to hold on to the ground up to the present time. We have not raced since 1911. The Park Company leases the ground to the racing club, with a purchasing clause at £5,000. It means that instead of a joint and several guarantee, as is the ease with many other clubs, we put the liability on a company. Our right of purchase is practically a perpetual right. The idea is to make the ground ;i freehold if we get our permit back. Kaikoura Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Kaikoura. The club is a very old one. and has been in existence for over forty years. It is a registered club, and held its last meeting in December, 1913. A list of the present members of the (dub and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The racecourse is situated on what is known as the South Bay Domain, and is controlled by a Domain Board comprised of the members of the Kaikoura County Council. The circumference of the course is just over 6 furlongs. There is a natural grandstand consisting of a terrace and planted with trees. The club has just expended £46 4s. lid. in the erection of stalls and fencing in a saddling-paddock. There are all necessary outbuildings, also totalizator-house and water-supply from pump. The course is not fenced all the way round on the inside, but the club will undertake to do this if necessary. The nearest clubs with a totalizator are at Blenheim, ninety-eight miles north, and Amberley. one hundred miles to the south. The nearest non-totalizator clubs are at Cheviot, forty-eight miles distant. Waiau, fifty-four miles, and Hurunui. seventy-seven miles distant. We make a special claim for consideration owing to the fact that the Racing Commission cancelled the club's license and gave as its reason. '.' No interest taken, the club neglecting to reply to the Commission's correspondence," which the then secretary declared he had never received. By the Deputation. —Our club has been running for forty-nine years, and we have never had a black mark against our name. We lost our permit through some misunderstanding between the former Racing Commission and our late secretary. We have gone to a fair amount of expense. in trying to make our course a passable course. The Domain Board have agreed that if we will make a road around the course they will close the road through the centre of the course. The course could not be seen under worse conditions than at the present time, because we have had the dries! season in the last fifty years. We think we are justly entitled to a permit, seeing that the townspeople always have a certain amount of sport and recreation. Our little trotting and race meetings provide the only sport we get in the district, because the bulk of the country people here never gel to town at all. Ourclub has a membership of 102. Horse-owners who come from Christchurch and Blenheim give our course a very good name in the matter of time. We strong!v urge our isolation in support of our claim. That this is a sporting district is proved by the fact that the Government had stallions in it for some time. The people- in this district are disposed

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to do all they possibly can to further the interests of sport generally. At our last totalizator meeting we gave stakes amounting to £220. We think we should have at least one day's sport when the people in the towns have their twelve or fifteen days. Cheviot Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Cheviot. The club was formed twenty-one years ago, and is registered. The last meeting was held on the Ist January, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 6 furlongs. The course is situated in Mackenzie, on a public reserve controlled by the Mackenzie Domain Board. The reserve is sheltered by splendid plantations, and is an ideal spot for a country race meeting. The accommodation consists of a judge's box recently erected at a cost of £20, and ladies' and gentlemen's conveniences on the grounds. The course is fenced on both sides. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are at Amberley, forty-five miles distant, and Blenheim, 130 miles distant. The nearest club not using the totalizator is at Waiau. thirty-five miles west of Cheviot. In support of our claim we wish to point out that we have always maintained a spirit of straightforwardness in the running of our annual meetings, and our application for a permit to hold the race meeting has never been refused or questioned. Our club is situated in the centre of a breeding district, and horses competing at the annual meeting have afterwards been nominated and raced right throughout the Dominion with a fair measure of success, competing in first-class company. The Cheviot Club has never had a totalizator permit to assist its operations, and the stewards feel that their past efforts go to show that the club has good reasons in support of this application. Our membership now totals a hundred, comprising settlers and business people of first-class standing. We should like to mention that our course is within two miles of Mina Railway-station, and should we be granted a permit there would no doubt be sufficient public interest taken in our annual meeting to warrant the running of a special train to convey sportsmen to and from the meeting, which would augment the railway revenue. You will speoially note that our programme is an open one, and each year claims the attention of horse-owners from all parts of Canterbury' and Marlborough. Our stake-list aggregates £100. with two cups added for gallops and trots respeetivelv. The balance-sheet of our club shows at present a credit balance of £50. Should you favourahlv consider our application the club's aim would be to erect extensive improvements on the course and increase stakes. Tn conclusion, the stewards wish to congratulate the Government on its effort to provide sport in country districts, as up to quite recently very little consideration to backblock clubs has been shown. You will no doubt fully realize that country clubs such as ours act in the capacity of bringing out numerous horses which afterwards find their way on to the metropolitan courses. Bn the Deputation. —Our present club has worked up from very small beginnings. We began with a stake of .£2 or £3, with a bridle or saddle thrown in. We have had tins and downs, but lately chiefly downs. Our races are run in the interests of true sport. Anything in the nature of malpractice at our meetings is immodiatelv investigated by the stewards. At present there is a population of fifteen hundred people closely settled around the racecourse, and any sporting gentleman who wants a bit of fun has to go forty-five miles to Amberley for it. We have a certain number of horse-breeders here, and our meeting gathers all the horses that are in training. Up to the present we have had to act as sports and provide the money out of our own pockets. We think that our efforts up to the present entitle us to n permit. Christchurch Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Christchurch. The club was formed in 1894. and is registered by the New Zealand Metropolitan Club of the district. The last meeting was held in May, 1911. A list of the present members of the club and a eopv of the last balance-sheet of the club have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs. The tenure of the course is leasehold, being leased from the Canterbury Park Trotting Club for the days on which it holds its meetings. The accommodation provided for the public is of a very complete and substantial character, consisting of a large inside up-to-date grandstand to seat fifteen hundred people, in which are a large public luncheon-room, bar, kitchen with range and boiler for heating water; also a commodious stand for the outside patrons, with luncheon and tea rooms; a large tea-room has been built, in the inside enclosure, also ladies' and gentlemen's cloak-rooms; and a very fine stewards' stand in which are weighing-room, joekevs' room (with lavatory basin, &c). The saddling-paddock is very complete, having ninety-seven horse-stalls for the convenience of owners. all practically new. There is a splendid water-service on the grounds, and all lavatories are of an up-to-date character, both for inside and outside patrons. The course is fenced all round. The nearest club to ourselves i° the metropolitan club for the district, which is two miles distant. but the nearest country racing club is twenty miles distant, that being the Akaroa County Racing Club. We eater for a section of racing owners who arc - not in a position to compete at the metropolitan meetings, and in this direction supply a want in ihc interest of the smaller owner. By the Deputation. —We previously raced on three days in the year. and we lost all three under the last Commission—we feel, unjustly. Wo are a thoroughly sporting club, and we gave excellent stakes. There are only three small one-day meetings within a radius of fifty miles of Christchurch. In Auckland and the other centres there are any amount of suburban meetings going on. We have a considerable sum of tnonev on denosit in the bank, and we are in a, position to conduct a thoroughly good meeting. We think it is hard on the smaller ownerß that they should not have more facilities in this neighbourhood. There are lots of small owners who should be encouraged, but who under present conditions have very little chance of picking up a race at the big Canterbury Jockey Club meeting. We think we should have a one day's meeting at least, in the interests of the small men particularly. A man cannot race horses unless he is going to

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travel them from Nelson to the Bluff, and it is very discouraging to the small men that they should get so very little racing in and around a big centre like Christchurch. North Canterbury and Oxford Jockey Club. The headquarters of the club are at Rangiora. The first race meeting was held on Easter Monday, 1877. The club is registered. The last meeting was held in July, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the. club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The course is situated about one mile from Rangiora Railway-station, and the soil is of sandy formation. The circumference is 9 furlongs. The tenure is freehold, and is the property of the North Canterbury and Oxford Jockey Club, clear of encumbrances or mortgage. The accommodation consists of stewards' stand and offices, weighing, jockeys', and dressing rooms, secretary's room, totalizator-house, saddling-paddock, and stalls, &c. The buildings are not new, and are not sufficient for present-day racing. Ihe club, if granted a permit, will immediately put up new buildings and all conveniences for the comfort of the public. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are the Canterbury Jockey Club, holding a totalizator permit for eleven days in the year, situated about seventeen miles south, and the Amberley Steeplechase Club, seventeen miles north, both distances as the crow flies. The nearest club holding a race meeting without a totalizator on the north would be the Hurunui Racing Club, forty-two miles away, and the nearest south, the Rakaia Racing Club, thirty miles away. The North Canterbury Jockey Club has held a race meeting every year since it lost its permit. The Oxford Jockey Club until a few years back held a totalizator permit, but when the Gaming Commission cancelled the North Canterbury Jockey Club's totalizator permit it joined forces and amalgamated with North Canterbury with the idea of making a strong and representative club. We have held a race meeting every year in July without a totalizator, thereby showing our desire to further sport and to encourage farmers in improving the breed of horses. Rangiora, where our racecourse is situated, is the centre of a large and thickly populated country district, and is well served by railway and good roads, thereby being very conveniently situated for the North Canterbury race-going public. We are one of the oldest, if not the oldest, club in Canterbury. We have been racing for thirty-seven years continually, and have held a totalizator permit since 1884. Our course is freehold, and is valued at £900, and is free from mortgage, which is sufficient to prove the club's financial position. If we are granted a permit we are prepared to erect new stands and conveniences for the public. We have continuously held a sports meeting without a totalizator before and since the loss of permit by Gaming Commission. The object of our meetings is to improve the hunter and harness horse, and thereby improve the number of horses available for remount purposes. By the Deputation. —We have an offer from Mr. Luttrell to spend any amount up to £1,000 on improvements on the course at 5 per cent. The Oxford Club has amalgamated with us. We also tried to get Ohoka to join with us, but did not succeed. Ohoka preferred to stand their chance of getting a permit. We have all the best people in the north with us. We do not think there is an)' prospect of Ohoka coming in with us unless they were advised to by some one other than us. We offered Ohoka a good thing, because we are holding a property worth £1,000 and they are holding nothing. Ohoka and Oxford raced on domains. All three clubs are in the one electoral district. If we had not lost our permit the present buildings were to have been sold for old timber, and we had passed a resolution to spend £800 on improvements. We had the plans out. That is what will be done if we get a permit again. Ohoka and Eyreton Jockey Club. The headquarters of the club are at Ohoka. The club was formed in 1874, and has raced with a totalizator permit since the year 1883. A list at the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. Ihe circumference of the course is 8 furlongs. The course is situate on the Ohoka and Eyreton Domain, and is 15 chains from the Mandeville North Railway-station, and it was originally granted by the Government for a racingreserve. Area consists of 250 acres. The accommodation consists of grandstand to accommodate fifteen hundred persons, tea-room, totalizator-house, ladies' room, jockeys' room, secretary's office, weighing-room, reporters' room, stewards' stand, and large saddling-paddock with eight permanent loose-boxes. The course is railed 10 chains on each side of the winning-post. The nearest club using the totalizator is the Amberley Steeplechase Club, twenty-five miles distant. The nearest club not using the totalizator is eight miles distant. This application is for a hunt club license. We are prepared to give £350 in stakes, as in the past, and we have always endeavoured to cater for a useful type of horse—namely, hunter and welter horses. We have a membership of ninety, mostly farmers who are never seen on a racecourse elsewhere. Our meeting is looked forward to as a general holiday in the district. By the Deputation. —We have not held any meeting for the last two years. Our stakes in the last few years of running were about £300. Since the last totalizator meeting we have held.a hack meeting, at which we gave £150 in stakes. We lost very heavily over it. The public turned up well, but the owners did not nominate. This course is on a reserve which was granted, we understand, for the purpose of a racecourse. The present improvements were made when there was no question of our losing the permit. We are prepared to do anything that is required in the way of improvements if we get a permit. We always conducted our meetings on proper lines, and there is no black mark against us. So far as we know no suggestion has been made to us to amalgamate with any other club in the district. We have not studied the question at all. They have never written to us on the point as a club. This is a purely country club, and our district extends from Oxford to Kaiapoi. Ihe Mandeville Railway-station is quite close to the course.

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Rakaia Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Rakaia. The club was formed twenty years ago, and is not registered. For the last five }-ears we have been affiliated to the Canterbury Jockey Club and New Zealand Trotting Association. The last meeting was held in December, 1913. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been for warded. The course is situate on the Rakaia Public Domain, and is 6 furlongs in circumference. It is leased annually by application to the Domain Hoard. The accommodation consists of natural grandstand, horse-paddocks, secretary's office, judge's box, arid jockeys' room. The course is fenced for a quarter id' a mile in the inside and the outside of the straight. The 1 nearest club using the totalizator is at Ashburton, eighteen miles distant. The nearest club not using the totalizator is at Methven, twenty-two miles distant. Owing to Rakaia being the most central town in the Selwyn Electorate, situated on the main line, and requiring no special train arrangements in connection with the holding of our races, we should here like to point out that our present train arrangements are suitable for conveying patrons of the sport from almost every point in the electorate. In fact, we venture to say that no other country club in the district can claim having such a central position without having to make special train arrangements. Our meetings in the past have always been successful by way of arrangement and attendance. We have in the past always offered good prize-money, and good nominations have been the result; and we have also a large membership. In our district we have many prominent horse-breeders, and we are of opinion that if the racing club was fully established in our midst it would tend greatly to improve the stock. By the, Deputation. —We first started racing here in 1868, and the then racing club served the district between the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers. Most of the members of the deputation are farmers and horse-breeders and men who take a keen interest in the sport of racing. The meetings of the present club have been held on the Domain Reserve with very great success. On a bad day we get an attendance of fourteen hundred, and on a good day upwards of two thousand. We pay nothing for the use of the course. We are only asked to keep* the course and grounds in good order. The racing club is now in a good financial position. We can provide good sport for the people of Mount Somers, Methven, Hororata, and round about, and they can return home on the same day. If we get a permit we are prepared to raise our stakes to £500 if necessary, and to do anything' that is required in the way of improvements on the course. Our stewards are composed of farmers of standing and influence in the district. We are thirty-six miles from Christchurch and eighteen from Ashburton and Hororata; but while the people in these places can get to us and get back to their homes the same day, we cannot do the same in all cases. We think we can say that our meetings have always been well conducted. Methven Racing Club. Ihe headquarters of the club are at Methven. The club was formed in 1881, thirty-three years ago, and from that period until the present day, with one exception, we have never missed holding a meeting, 'flic races have always been properly managed and carried out, there never having been trouble of any kind; and in proof of this statement I beg to refer you to the Canterbury Jockey Club and New Zealand Trotting Association, with which bodies we are registered. The last meeting was held in January, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. Our course is situated on the Mount Harding Estate, one mile from Methven, and was properly surveyed by Messrs. Freeman and Sou, licensed surveyors, Christchurch. The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs. The Mount Harding Estate being entailed, the course cannot be purchased. Our tenure, therefore, is as follows : That as long as Mr. S. G. Holmes owns the Mount Harding Estate our club is to have the course. If this tenure is not deemed sufficient by you we undertake to purchase a freehold course; and we have a letter from Mr. Hugh McNeill giving us option over 86 acres of land for a freehold course, half a, mile from Methven, which is even better situated than our present one. The purchase-money is to be raised by the issue of debentures : all the members asked so far have agreed to take up £10 or over. In the case of our patron, he immediately offered to take up £100. The course is fenced on both sides of the straight. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are at Christchurch, fifty-eight miles distant, Ashburton, twenty-two miles, and Hororata, twenty-nine miles distant. The nearest clubs not. using the totalizator are Mount Somers, twenty miles; Springburn and Alford Forest, fifteen miles; Rakaia, twenty-three miles; and Springfield, fifty-four miles distant. We are enclosing rough diagram of the position of Methven in relation to these clubs, and if you consult a map of Canterbury you will find that Methven is situated nearly in the centre of all the above-mentioned clubs. A point worthy of mention is this : that of late years the meetings of Alford Forest and Springburn Clubs have been held on our course. We consider our club has a special claim for consideration inasmuch as there is no district in Canterbury that has made such rapid advancement in recent years as Methven. The purchase by the Government for closer settlement of the Highbank and Marawiti Estates, and the cutting-up of the Springfield, Viewmouiri, Waimarama, and Mount Hutt Estates have been the means of improving the district beyond recognition, making it one of the most prosperous in Canterbury Ample verification of this statement will be found in the railway returns for the Methven Branch. To illustrate the prosperity and progressiveness of the district we would draw your attention to the Methven Agricultural and Pastoral Association, which was inaugurated three years ago. At the end of September, 1914, their balance-sheet showed a credit balance of nearly £500, with a membership of approximately three hundred, and the entries at the last show numbered 1,350, a number not approached by any other country agricultural and pastoral association. The telephone bureau opened here a few years ago now has eighty-two

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subscribers. No other place outside the main centres has attained anywhere this number of connections. All the leading mercantile firms—viz., New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (Limited), National Mortgage and Agency Company (Limited), New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, Dalgety and Co., and Watson and Co.—have permanent offices and wool and grain stores in Methven. The population has doubled in the last few years, so much so that a movement is on foot to form Methven into a borough. As a last and likewise the most important reason, our club, situated as it is in the centre of all the aforesaid clubs, and in one of the best-known agricultural districts in New Zealand, would in a very short time, if a permit be granted, attain the position of being one of the most prominent country racing clubs in Canterbury. In conclusion, we beg to say that we are pledged to carry out whatever conditions, such as purchasing grounds, erecting stands and appointments, ivc, are necessary to secure a permit. We have forwarded a copy of lust season's programme, which, save for a few minor details, has been the same for many years, and would point, out that ours is the only non totalizator club in Canterbury that makes it almost a. regular practice to include a hurdle race on its programme. By the Deputation. — Up till nine years ago our club was in a struggling financial position, but for five years after that we started to go ahead, and then we had £500 in hand. Then the bookmakers were abolished, and though we have since held meetings and made them pay we have not progressed. Last year we gave stakes to the amount of £150, besides a ten-guinea cup. The nominations amounted to 111. In this district we have horse-owners and good stables, and a certain number of horses are trained in the district. The present membership of the club is eighty-four. If we get a permit we are prepared to purchase the freehold course referred to and effect whatever improvements may be deemed necessary. The Methven district is bounded by the Rakaia and Ashburton Rivers, which form natural boundaries. We have good roads, and a train service which could be made good. Methven has made very great progress within the last ten or twelve years, and is being recognized now as one of the best districts in Canterbury, and therefore the best in New Zealand. It is noted for growing an exceptional orop of grain in a bad year, and this year it is safe to say that within a radius of ten miles of Methven the average crop of wheat will be fully 40 bushels and of oats 60 bushels. This district is also noted for the large number of fat lambs and sheep it sends away. Mount Someks and Spbingburn Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Mount Somers. The club was formed in October, 1883, and is registered with the Canterbury Jockey Club. The last meeting was held in March, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The racecourse is in a domain, and has a circumference of 7 furlongs. We have the consent of the Domain Board, and have a very reasonable prospect of obtaining the use of the domain annually for the purpose of holding race meetings. Ihe accommodation consists of refreshment-rooms, jockeys' and weighing room, secretary's office, all conveniences such as saddling-paddock, judge's box, number-board, and starting-machine, The course is fenced on the inside 10 chains and outside 20 chains, with all distance-posts erected and numbered. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are at Ashburton, twenty-five miles distant, and Geraldine, thirty miles distant. The nearest club not using the totalizator is at Methven, twenty miles distant. For many years we have held our annual race meeting on Boxing Day successfully »till 1911, when an Ashburton club with a totalizator permit secured our day. This, together with the exclusion of bookmakers from i aceeourses, resulted in the club having to face an annual deficiency in their income, and the club cannot continue without some source of revenue such as a totalizator permit will provide. We claim that we have a racecourse with facilities equal, if not superior, to any in Canterbury. The course is only 15 chains from the railway-station, and is well sheltered with plantations on three sides. The Railway Department always runs an excursion train on race day from Christchurch and Ashburton. By the Deputation. —This district has been carrying on racing for thirty-seven years. Our meeting is a sort of holiday for the district, and gives the people a chance to get to a meeting. They have no other opportunity till the year round. This is the centre of a large district which is well served by the railway. There is no other permit between Hororata and Geraldine. Our race meeting used to be very well patronized, and even under our present adverse circumstances it is very well patronized. We think this is the only place in Canterbury the residents of which cannot get to Christchurch and back in one da}'. It really spoils three days to go to Christchurch and back. The financial position of our club is good. Ihe Domain Board has spent £200 in improvements on the racecourse, and will do everything in its power to assist the club should we get a permit. Orari Jockey Club. The headquarters of the club are at Geraldine. The club was formed in 1904, and raced one day a year for the following eight years. The club is a, registered one. The last meetingwas held in April, 1912. A list of the present members of the chili and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been, forwarded. We race on the Geraldine Racing Club's course, situate handy to the Orari Railway-station, and have every opportunity for holding successful meetings. The course is 8 furlongs and a few yards in circumference, and it has a training-track as well, 8 furlongs. The tenure is Government reserve, vested in trustees. The accommodation consists of grandstand to seat eight hundred people, with caterer's rooms underneath ; there is also the stewards' stand, together with secretary's office, weighing-room, jockeys' room, cloak and Press rooms. The totalizator-house is practically new and commodious, and has seventeen windows. There are also scraping-sheds for twenty-one horses, and also the ambulance-room. There is a

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perrhanent trainer living on the course; his compartments consist of dwellinghouse of seven rooms and outhouses, with twenty-five loose-boxes, two jockeys' rooms, store and feed rooms. The course is fenced on the inside. i The nearest clubs using the totalizator are at Ashburton, twenty-five miles distant, and at Timaru, nineteen miles distant. The nearest club not using the totalizator is at Pleasant Point, twenty miles distant. We intend, if allowed a one-day license, to hold our meeting in April, our programme being to cater for the general sporting crowd of the surrounding districts by including both trots and hunters' races in the programme. The Geraldine Racing Club has spent a lot of money on the course and buildings thereon, making it one of the finest country racecourses in the South Island; and, being in the centre of a good sporting district and only having one permit for the course, we feel sure that we are fully entitled in asking you to give us your earnest consideration for a license for the one-day's totalizator. We feel sure that when you take into consideration the number of permits that our friends on each side of us have you will see we are fully entitled to an extra day, which would be fully appreciated by the club and also by the sporting public of our district. By the Deputation. —The club started at the time of the Boer War, when races were held to raise funds in aid of returned soldiers, and the meeting was so highly successful that it was continued, also with very great success. All the profits derived from the meetings have been spent on this couise, which is a Government reserve vested in trustees. We have always had good nominations. This is looked on as the racing centre for Temuka, which is ten or twelve miles away. At our first meeting we took £100 at the gates, and handed between £70 and £80 of the net profits to the sick and needy coming home from the Boer "War. This centre serves a wide old-settled district which carries a large population. We have only one race meeting in the district in the year. Mackenzie County Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Fairlie. The club is a new one arising out of three defunct clubs —viz., Fairlie, Aibury, and Tekapo Racing Clubs —and was formed on the 6th October, 1914. We decided not to apply for registration until a permit is granted. We have not yet held a meeting. A list of the present members of the club has been forwarded. Ihe racecourse is situate in Block Vfl of the Tangawai Survey District, being part of R.S. 26243, containing 54 acres 3 roods 29 perches. At present it has no improvements. In the event of obtaining a permit the club is prepared to comply with the conditions imposed, by the Rules of Racing, The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs. The tenure is leasehold—lease for seven years, with right of purchase—and expires on the Ist May, 1921. The racecourse is at present unfenced on inside of course. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are the South Canterbury Racing Club, thirty-seven miles distant, and the Geraldine Racing Club, fifty miles distant. We think we should have the permit, as the Mackenzie County is a very large district, and at present sport in the shape of a race meeting is absolutely uncatered for. Owing to restrictions placed by the Racing Conference some four years ago the three clubs operating in the county were deprived of totalizator permits, thus denying patrons of racing a chance of a good day's racing locally, and breeders of a chance of local competitions. In recent years this district has grown to dimensions of considerable importance owing to closer settlement, and our club would cater for a much larger population than was the case with previous clubs. Our district is peculiarly situated as regards the demand for good horses. Owing to the nature of the back country horses are .used almost exclusively as a means of transit, and the best class of horse always meets with a keen demand, but present conditions do not encourage horse-breeders to obtain the best thoroughbred strains. By the Deputation. —Our strongest claim for a permit is that there is no club within forty miles of us. The property we propose to acquire for a course is freehold. We have an option of purchase at £15 per acre. We think we would have no difficulty in increasing our membership to five hundred in the whole, district, including people in and about Timaru. All the people of any standing in the district would support our club. We have been promised any amount of donations in the event of our getting a permit. This is the centre of a very large district stretching from Timaru to Mount Cook. This club represents an amalgamation of the Aibury, Fairlie, and Mackenzie County clubs. We have the names of several good sportsmen who are willing to act on our executive if we get a permit. There is more than treble the population here now than when the old club held its meetings, and that fact and the fact that we are a combination of three clubs gives us, we conteud, a very strong claim for a permit, notwithstanding the fact that at present we have no appointments. Palmerston Racing Club. Ihe headquarters of the club are at Palmerston South. The Palmerston Racing Club held its first meeting in 1866, and raced annually from that time till about fourteen years ago, when a day was taken away by the Conference, and Palmerston and Waikouaiti were allotted a day each in alternate years. We were quite satisfied with this arrangement, and thought our club would prosper when we were properly established on a good track. But after holding one meeting on it, which went off without a hitch, and which every one seemed to enjoy, we were, through the finding of the Commission appointed in 190!), deprived of our yearly picnic, and the privilege Ji racing every year granted to Waikouaiti. Though our club appointed a deputation to wait on the members of this Commission at the time of their itinerary, they did not see them, neither were we given any reasons why racing in Waikouaiti should be increased. The last race meeting was held in 1909, and during these five years the Palmerston people have felt very much the loss of their annual gathering, but now that the chance has arisen to revive it through the passing of recent legislation they anxiously look forward to your decision. The club is registered. The

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last meeting was held in 1910. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. Up to the date of our last meeting we were very unfortunate as regards a suitable course. Owing to the erosion of the Shag River we were compelled to abandon our track on the Dunback Road, on which a meeting had been held for a number of years. The two annual meetings after that were held on different grounds, which were not thought, however, to be suitable, but nevertheless entailed considerable expenditure in formation and appointments. Before the date of last meeting we were offered and accepted the ten-years lease of a ground owned by Mr. Cochrane. This meant the formation of another track, and after a great deal of work a very suitable course was available for our 1910 meeting. The soil is of a sandy loam, and is not affected by drought or rain in reason, as the shingly bed allows of plenty of soakage. It is naturally laid out for the convenience of the race-seeing public, as it is within half a mile of the town; the train stops at the gates on race-days, and a natural grandstand extends the full length of the straight. The accommodation consists of stewards' room, stewards' stand, totalizator-house, and cloak-room. The circumference of the course is 7| furlongs. The tenure is leasehold. The lease has still five years to run, but at the end of that time a renewal or purchase can be effected, and should our application for a, permit be granted we could, when funds are available, have a mile-and-a-quarter track and a country course second to none in Otago. The course is railed on the inside for half a mile at the entrance and going out of the straight. The nearest club using the totalizator is ten miles away, at Waikouaiti. Though our course is situated by rail only ten miles from Waikouaiti we claim that a number of the race-going public, even members of our own club, are not catered for by the Waikouaiti race meeting. Our town, is the centre of a rich agricultural and rapidly growing district which extends inland to the Otago Central Railway line at Ranfurly, a distance of seventy miles, while Waikouaiti has no similar back country and must depend to a great extent for the success of their meeting on the Dunedin public, who are well catered for in this respect at home At the Waikouaiti meeting held at the beginning of the present year £5,000 was put through the totalizator and £73 taken at the gates. At our last meeting held in 1910 £3.000 was put through the totalizator and £67 taken at the gates. The difference in the totalizator turnover could be accounted for by our club licensing seven bookmakers. During the four years our club was non-existent racing had increased very much as a popular sport This has done much to benefit the Waikouaiti Club, but we take it that a proper comparison of these figures is a very fair criterion of the popularity of the respective meetings. If we have understood rightly that clubs which have been deprived of their permits by the Commission were to have prior claim, to relnstalment by the passing of Mr. Hunter's Bill, our appeal must be admitted a just one. Our club can be numbered amongst the oldest in the Dominion, and with the help of the totalizator and increased membership) should eventually become one of the leading country clubs in Otago. On the other hand, if permits are to be allotted to clubs where racing is felt to be needed we think we are equally entitled to consideration. The success of our last meeting, and the growth of the district of which our town is the centre, must advance our claims in that direction. By the Deputation. —We would like to point out that we are exactly half-way between Dunedin and Oamaru, and are the centre of a much bigger district than Waikouaiti is. We have a membership of between eighty and ninety. Any one of real standing in the district takes an interest in the club, and our meeting is looked upon almost as a picnic. Up to the time when we lost our permit we had twelve or fifteen horse-owners in the district; at the present time we have nine who have horses training. Unfortunately they are compelled to take their horses to the larger clubs, as Waikouaiti only races once a year. These owners labour under this difficulty, that they do not like to take their horses to a metropolitan course until they have tried them at a country club. We have a very good track —one of the best in the country. We have every facility for getting to the course by rail from south or north. We have already spent a good deal of money on this track, and we have now about £1.00 in hand. We do not see why the people of this district should be compelled to travel forty miles to a race meeting when we have a good course here. Our annual race meeting was looked forward to by the whole district, and was one of the very few holidays in the district. We have plenty of people here to support, our meetings, judging by the railway returns here when races are on at Dunedin or Oamaru. We spent about £1,500 in ten years on the track that was washed away by the flood. That is the reason why our finances are in such a bad state now. We can safely say this deputation represents the feeling of the whole district. Taieri Amateur Turf Club. The headquarters of the club are at Mosgiel. The club was formed over forty years ago. and is registered. The last meeting was held in April, 1910. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs. The conditions of the last lease were that if the club lost its totalizator permit it would lapse. A new lease can be arranged satisfactorily to all parties if a permit is granted. There is all the usual racecourse accommodation, including grandstand, ladies' rooms, stewards' and Press rooms, jockeys' rooms, booths, totalizator-houses, stables, loose-boxes and sand-roll, public conveniences, &c. There are ring fences around racing-track on outside and training-track on inside, with double fence in straight. All starting-posts are clear of racingtrack. The nearest club using the totalizator is the Dunedin Jockey Club, about one mile and a half away. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are a distance of one hundred miles away. The Taieri Amateur Turf Club has been in existence for over forty years, and is most popular with the Taieri people, who look upon its fixture as their annual picnic meeting. Many have been in the habit of coming to this gathering for years who do not go to metropolitan meetings. We have raced on our present course for about twenty-five years. The Dunedin Club was forced

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out of the city and came into our district, hence the reason for the courses being so close to one another. However, our meeting is purely a country meeting, ami includes trotting events in its programme, and caters for an entirely different class of people to a town club. The permit was taken from us by the Racing Commission under the legislation of 1910. By the Deputation. —We would point out that the fences round the track have been taken away to enable the course to he ploughed, but they will lie re-erected when the new grass is laid down. We have a, credit balance of about £800. This club was rapidly going ahead when if lost its permit. It is our misfortune but not our fault that the Wingatui course is so close. We were here long before the Otago Jockey Club shifted to this district. Ours is quite a, different meeting to the big Dunedin meeting. Ours is a picnic meeting, which is attended by farmers and people who never go to another meeting. Another advantage of this meeting is that it gives the young people and farmers who breed horses in the district an opportunity to try them. We feed the big clubs. We were just about to purchase this property when our permit was taken away. Our lease lapsed when the permit was withdrawn, but we can gel a renewal for another ten years. There is no better track than this in New Zealand, when it, is in order, to keep horses sound. We can train here in the winter when horses cannot train at Wingatui or anywhere else. We had every convenience here for the public when our permit was withdrawn. Maniototo Jockey Club. The headquarters of the club are at Naseby. The club was formed in 1868. and is registered. The last meeting was held in May, 1914. The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs. The course is held under a twenty-one-years lease from the Crown. The lease was granted in 1907. The buildings on the grounds consist of grandstand, booth, public luncheon-room, stewards' luncheon-room, handicapper's room, weighing-room, jockeys' room, secretary's room, and totalizator-house. The straight of Ihe course is fenced on both sides for a distance of about 7 chains. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The nearest dub using the totalizator is the Vincent Jockey Club, forty miles distant, and the nearest club not using the totalizator is the Ranfurly Racing Club, nine miles distant. This club has conducted race meetings here regularly since 1868. For many years two meetings were held in the year, a one-day' meeting in November and a two-days meeting in February. We lost our totalizator permit, as a result of the report of the Racing Commission set up in 1910. Since then this club has held hack meetings which have been well supported by the local public. We think for these reasons we should be granted a permit. By the Deputation. —Since we lost our permit the course has been allowed to go into a state of disrepair. Naseby as a centre has gone down because mining has gone down, but the district around Nasebv has gone ahead. Of course, Naseby is distant from the railway-line, and it may be found advisable in the future if racing is conducted here to shift nearer to the railway. Our meetings when we had the permit were always successful. We have had horses racing here that have afterwards won the Dunedin Cup and Great Autumn Handicap. We have also bred very good horses in this district, but we are away in the backblocks, and any one wishing to raoe them has to go to Dunedin. There are many people here who cannot afford to go to Dunedin. so if we do not get a permit they will never see a race meeting at all. When we raced we always hail a race on our programme for locally bred horses. For that reason the people at Black's favour our application. We used to have many people in the district who bred for the local races only, but since we lost our permit there has been no breeding at all. Last year not one thoroughbred horse travelled the district. Our racing was always conducted on the best lines. Tf a permit is granted to us we will undertake to put our course and appointments in proper order. We claim to have one of the best districts in New Zealand for breeding horses, and the advent of a totalizator meeting hero would do a groat deal to encourage the breeding of good horses, which are always a standby for military purposes. At present there is no racing permit between Black's and Waikouaiti, a distance of 130 miles. Our meeting was more or less a picnic for the surrounding thirty or forty miles. Bknqhebuen Jockey Club. The headquarters of the club are at Roxburgh. The club was formed under the name of the ''Roxburgh Jockey Club" in 1866. but in 1902 Ihe Ett rick Racing Club went defunel and the two amalgamated under the name of the " Bengerburn Jockey Club." The club is registered by the Racing Conference. The last meeting was held in March. 1914. Sixteen years ago the permit was lost, but the club holds its meeting annually. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs 40 yards. The races are held on (lie club's course at Roxburgh East, which is a racecourse reserve vested in trustees. The accommodation consists of stewards' and secretary's room. booth, outhouses, he. The course was described by the recent Racing Commission as one of the best country courses in the Dominion. The course is not fenced on inside of I rack, bul should a totalizator permit be granted all Ihe necessary railings and buildings will be elected for the meeting on the 17th March. 1915. 'Ihe nearesl clubs using Ihe totalizator are al Beaunnnt. a distance of thirty miles, and at Cromwell, forty-five miles away. We are situated between the Beaumont and the Cromwell Clubs, and surrounded by a large district. Both these clubs have totalizator permits. We believe we are justly entitled to a permit, being one of those clubs deprived of such some years ago when a reduction was made in the number. We may state that had we a permit we should have a much larger membership, as there are numbers of men in the district who will not join through want of a totalizator. By the Deputation. —We would like to point out that between Miller's Flat. Coal Creek. Beaumont, and Roxburgh there is a population of fifteen hundred We are thirty miles away

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from the nearest racecourse, and we have bad roads and no railways. This is a very large and growing district. We have over 200 or 300 acres planted in fruit-trees. If we do not provide our young people with some amusement they will simply flock to the towns. If a permit is granted we have two hundred people hero who will guarantee any expenditure on improvements that may be deemed necessary. With a permit we would make our meeting a real good day's sport. Clifden Hack Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Clifden. This club has been in existence thirty years, and was first the centre of sheep stations—viz., Wairaki, Mount Linton, Birchwood, Merrivale, Clifden, Blackmount, and Otahu; and since the Clifden Estate was resumed by the Government the races have been held here continuously on. New Year's Day. The club is registered, and held its last meeting on the Ist January, 1.914. A. list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The course is on the Clifden Domain, and is 9 furlongs in circumference. There is erected on the course a secretary's room, weighingroom, and jockeys' room. The nearest club using the totalizator is at Riverton, forty miles distant. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are at Wairio, twenty-four miles distant; Otautau Hack Club and Birchwood Hunt Club, twenty-two miles distant. We may point out the distance from nearest railway terminus and publichouse is only eight miles; the spot is a holiday centre; there is a terrace which forms a natural grandstand where the public can stand or sit and see the races. We have always spent any surplus money in improving the course and providing accommodation for the public. The Southland Racing Club specially recommends that totalizator licenses be granted to this and to the Otautau Hack Racing Club. By the Deputation. —Wo feel we are as far away in the backblocks as it is possible to get. At the present time Government surveyors are in at the back of the racecourse opening up a block of 20,000 acres, which we hope will bring in settlers who will join in making our meeting a further success. We have found it a struggle to make ends meet, but we have always been liberally patronized by the public, and our gate takings are double the takings of any other hack meeting in Southland. Our nominations are double those of any other hack meeting in Southland. With a permit we could enlarge our stakes and make our meeting one of the best picnic meetings in Southland. We have an attendance of just on a thousand each year. We have always done our level best to keep our racing clean. Ours is purely a backblocks picnic meeting, and is not a meeting run by the publican or storekeeper. We have a course of our own, and without outside assistance we have spent £190 on. it, in addition to working-bees. Our district extends right to Milford Sound. The course is on a domain reserve which is under the control of trustees, who are all members of the racing club. Otautau Hack Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Otautau. The club was first established about. 1883, and for several years had a totalizator permit. The club is registered with the New Zealand Racing Conference. The last meeting was held in January, 1914. A. list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. In regard to a racecourse, the club have arranged to purchase a suitable property at Otautau in the event of a totalizator permit being granted. At present the races are held yearly on paddocks placed at the disposal of the club by farmers in the locality. The nearest club using the totalizator is at Wairio, twelve miles distant. The nearest club not using the totalizator is Birchwood Hunt, a local club. We have been continuously in existence for the last thirty years. Previous to 1888 we had a permit to use the totalizator, but unfortunately, owing to the depression that was passing through the colony at that time, the permit was allowed to lapse by the committee that then had control. A few local breeders and enthusiastic sports of the Otautau district then took up the club and raced as a hack racing club, racing as such ever since in the hope of ultimately securing a permit. It seemed like hoping against hope for some years, owing to legislation having been enacted preventing the issue of any more permits. The club prospered to a certain extent for years until the bookmakers were abolished; since then it has been kept going by the people of Otautau and district by voluntary subscriptions. Having no legislative privileges there was consequently no earning-power. The Town of Otautau is the centre of one of the largest sporting districts in Southland, and has always contributed largely to the breeding of racehorses, and has produced many good performers in recent years, such as Magdala, winner of the Winter Cup, Christchurch, and a candidate for the New Zealand Cup this year ; Red Earl, killed last year in National Hurdles; Daringdale, Homeward, Geralda, Buller, Cannonade, Peerless; Honest Tom, holder of New Zealand record for two miles and a half steeplechase (Beaufort Steeple, Christchurch—time, 5 minutes), and many others. As evidence of the resources of the district for horse-breeding, we may mention that the remount officers secured over forty horses for the Expeditionary Force from Otautau. We are one of the few hack clubs that continued to race after the abolition of the bookmakers, and as a matter of fact raised our stakes since the bookmakers ceased to exist. We have forwarded last year's programme for perusal. We believe yve give the largest stake in the Dominion for a hack, race meeting—certainly the largest in Southland. The Town of Otautau is easily the largest and most important town in the South not having a totalizator. It is the county town of Wallace, being the seat of the Wallace County Council; is a progressive centre, being the only town in Southland, excepting Invercargill and Gore, that has a telephone service from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the number of telephone connections being somewhere in the vicinity of seventy. At the taking of last census Otautau showed the largest increase of population in the Dominion, the increase being over 33 per cent. The accommodation in the town is easily adequate for horses and visitors, there being three hotels and three of the largest livery-stables in South-

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land. Wallace Agricultural Show, held at Otautau, is only second in Southland to the Metropolitan Show in Invercargill, the principal feature of the show being the display of horses. In further evidence that we have the class of men in the district that interest themselves in the breeding of thoroughbred horses, the following sires are at the disposal of local breeders this season : Soldiers' Chorus, Canrobert, Stronghold, Pallas, Rose Noble, Crichton, Appelgarth, Golden Vein, Glenculloch, and others. We have always been able to secure a good course to race on, but, of course, not having a totalizator permit it was impossible to secure a freehold course or appointments; but in the event of a permit being granted there would not be any difficulty in securing a course. As a matter of fact negotiations arc already proceeding to secure a course, as the club is confident that its claim for a permit must commend itself to you. The Southland Racing Club recommends that totalizator licenses be granted to this club and to the Clifden Hack Racing Club. By the Deputation. —We think we can certainly say we are the premier hack racing club in the South. We did not increase our stakes at our recent meeting when we knew there was a prospect of a permit. We have produced some of the best horses in Otautau that have ever raced in New Zealand. At the recent Gore meeting one of our local stallions acounted for five or six wins. Unless we had sporting people in and about Otautau we maintain that all these fine stallions would not be kept here for the convenience of breeders. We have all the stallions in the South, with the exception of one or two. We have provided steeplechase races because we have always gone in not for the best-paying races, but for those likely to produce the best class of horse. A good many of our members are members and officials of the different racing clubs in Southland, and the work they have done is a guarantee that our meeting, if we get a permit, will be run just as well and perhaps better than, that of any other club. Lumsben Hack Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Lumsden. Race meetings have been held in Lumsden for over thirty years, firstly as a jockey club holding a totalizator permit, and for over twenty years as a hack racing club without a totalizator. The jockey club over twenty years ago, owing to regulations demanding that stakes totalling £150 for eight races be provided, reluctantly decided to relinquish their totalizator permit, and since that time have, under the style of the " Lumsden Hack Racing Club," conducted each year very successful and enjoyable meetings; and the stakemoney has been increased gradually from £39 in 1894 to £100 in 1914. The club is registered. The last meeting was held in February, 1914. The club has no regular membership list, the practice being to sell each year 10s. tickets, and last year £66 was raised, equal to 132 members. A copy of the club's last balance-sheet has been forwarded. The racecourse is situated on a 100--------acre paddock, education reserve leasehold, and has twenty-one years to run. There are no buildings at present erected, but if our application for a permit is successful, fences, horse-stalls, he, will be erected in accordance with regulations, and added to as funds allow. The nearest club using the totalizator is the Winton Jockey Club, thirty miles distant. The nearest club not using the totalizator is the Cattle Flat Hack Club, ten miles distant. As special reasons for our club's preferment we would point out that Lumsden is the centre of a very large and prosperous district and has very special train facilities, being the junction of four lines of railway, thus enabling patrons of a race meeting held here to make the trip and return to their homes the same day. The township is also well equipped to accommodate visitors, having three large and up-to-date two-story hotels with ample bedroom and stabling accommodation. By the Deputation. —We hold we have one of the finest districts in Southland from a- racing point of view, as everything centres into Lumsden. We understand that if we get a permit the racing people in Southland will give us all the nominations and backing it is possible for them to do. They can bring horses from Gore, Riversdale, and Invercargill, and take them back the same night. Ihey can bring them across the lake from Central Otago, and take them back in a day or two. Since we lost our permit three large estates—Castle Rock, of 40.000 acres. Five Rivers, of 32,000 acres, and the New Zealand Agricultural Company's estate, of 132,000 acres— have been cut up and settled, and this puts us in a very strong position. Last year we had seventy-eight nominations and this year eighty-nine, and our fields were good., Riversdale sportsmen support our application, and Riversdale is the home of some of the best horses that have ever been bred in New Zealand. We have a large back country reaching to Kingston and Lake Te A.nau. a distance of fifty miles' or more. Our race meeting caters for the settlers in these districts, but they cannot get to Gore or Winton and return home the same day. They urge that we should be given a permit in order that they may have the privilege of a day's sport. The president of the Winton Jockey Club has wired us saying that his club is very favourable to our application, and we had the same intimation from the Southland Jockey Club. We feel now we are in a position to get in a good financial condition if we get a permit. At our last race meeting over £60 worth of tickets of the Winton and Southland clubs were sold on our course to local residents, and that will show you how our people are prepared to assist sport in the Southland District. We have 120 financial members now, and that number could easily be increased to 250. Upper Clutha Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Hawea Flat. The club has been in existence for a period of over forty years—first under the name of the " Wanaka Jockey Club," then to give it wider area of influence it was altered into the name of the " Upper Clutha Racing Club," with a meeting held each year, alternately on racecourses at Hawea and Albert Town. During the past two years the meetings have been held at Hawea. This place ha' now been permaneutlv sclented for the meetings as being the most centrally situated place in a large district. The club is registered. The last meeting was held in November, 1914. A list of the present, members of the club and a

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copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The racecourse is situated at Hawea Flat, is portion of a public domain vested in a Domain Board, and is a properly formed course. The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs. The accommodation consists of a booth with a dining-room, and offices for the accommodation of the officials and members of the club. The course is fenced in, but not on the inside of the course. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are at Cromwell, thirty-seven miles south, and Queenstown, fifty miles south-west. There are no other meetings of any description held nearer than Cromwell and Queenstown. The day's sport provided by this club is the only meeting of its kind that takes place throughout the year in the Upper Clutha Valley, a district comprising an area of over 800 square miles, where the people have not the same facilities for enjoyment or attending race meetings possessed by more favoured places owing to lack of communication, the nearest rail-head being from fifty to seventy miles distant. Furthermore, it is a rising district and a district eminently adapfted for the breeding of thoroughbred horses, and the increased stakes which the use of the totalizator would enable the club to provide would act as a stimulus to the breeding of a better class of horses. By the Deputation. —We would like to point out that this deputation, though small, is a representative one. Our strongest argument for a permit is our isolation. We are fully thirtysix miles by road from Cromwell, where the nearest racing is held. This district is growing every year, and Hawea is only a small portion of it. It also includes Wanaka, Mount Barker, Hunter, Cardrona, and the Terrace. All these districts combine in this day's sport, which is the only day's sport we have in the year. Our population is increasing all the time owing to the cutting-up of big estates. The railway is also approaching the district in the direction of Cromwell. We lay special stress on the fact that this is a rising district in the backblocks. At present we are heavily handicapped in carrying on our day's sport for want of a permit. We have a fair amount of funds in hand, and the Domain Board also has funds, and in the event of securing a permit we are prepared to make whatever improvements to the course are deemed necessary. This is a very old-established club. There was racing at Wanaka forty-six years ago, and we have continued the sport with more or less success. If we get a permit we have no fear but that our meeting will be a success. Our meetings have always been conducted on good lines, and we have never had. a complaint. Our racing is hack racing. All the farmers round about like to have a good horse, and if there is a stake worth going for it will encourage them to breed better horses. We have no other amusements here. We are far removed from the centres of population, and we think we are entitled to one day's sport in the year. Wairau Valley Hack Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Wairau. The club has been formed for over seven years. It is a registered club. The last meeting was held in December, 1913. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 6 furlongs. The tenure is Government reserve and part private property. The accommodation consists of saddling-paddock, officials' room, and usual appointments for one day's country meeting. The course is fenced on the inside. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are distant thirty-five miles. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are distant fifty-two miles. Since the Government cut up the Hillersden Estate some months ago there has been a considerable influx of population, and each jrear should now show a considerable increase of stakes and attendance. This is the only function held in the Valley during the year, Boxing and Christmas Days being the only holidays observed here. By the Deputation. —We have a very pleasantly situated course, and we are a sporting community, but without the aid of a totalizator permit we have not the means to carry on. Settlement is extending on both sides of the river, and this will be a very important centre in the near future. We think this is one of the cleanest little places for sport in New Zealand. No drink is sold on the course. We never give any liquor rights on the course. Our membership is about a hundred, and is composed mostly of settlers. We gave £86 10s. in stakes last year in addition to a ten-guinea cup. We had an attendance of four hundred people last Boxing Day. We took £15 at the gate, independent of members' tickets. For the seven races we had an average of six starters. AYe ate within twenty-five miles of the nearest totalizator clvb —not thirty-five as stated in the formal application — but we have no train service. There is only a motor-car service, and many of the people here cannot go to those meetings. So far as the course is concerned, we have arranged with a surveyor to lay off a mile course, and we intend to put up a permanent refreshment-booth. We have a natural stand, and we think when we have these improvements made we will have an ideal course. Now that the Hillersden Estate has been cut up we have many more permanent settlers in the 'district. Ours is the only holiday meeting we have, and our settlers cannot go far away from home to attend other meetings. The private portion of the course is only held by the courtesy of the owner, but by the new survey we are going to bring the racecourse right inside the recreation reserve. Havelock Hack Racing Club and Pelorus Hack Racing Club (amalgamated). The headquarters of the club are at Canvastown. The club is a registered one. The last meeting was held in December, 1913. We beg to apply for a totalizator permit for our annual meeting, held on New Year's Day. In support of our application we will state that before Mr. Hunter's Bill was finally passed a deputation of both the above-named clubs waited upon the Premier, the Hon. Mr. Massey, at Canvastown, placing before him our claims for one of the new permits on becoming law, showing we were situated midway between Blenheim and Nelson, and were well supported by the public and horse-owners generally. We also wish to point out that Canvastown, the place where our meeting is held, is situated at the head of the Pelorus

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Sound and the mouth of the Wakamarina and Rai Valleys with its various branches, and the residents of these districts have very little chance of attending a race meeting other than the one for which we apply for a permit. Mr. Massey, in reply to our deputation, said he recognized we were situated in a central country district, and considered our claims for one of the new permits just and right. The Pelorus Hack Racing Club was formed on the 2nd July, 4910, and amalgamated with the Havelock Hack Racing Club on the 9th November, 1912. Ihe Havelock Hack Racing Club.has been in existence for the last thirty years, and for ten years it held a totalizator license, but owing to the Totalizator Act being amended that all clubs should pay out not less than £250 in stakes, and as this amount was beyond our reach, we lost our totalizator license. The Havelock Hack Racing Club held its meeting about seven miles from the Pelorus Hack Racing Club's meeting, and both clubs recognized the fact that it would be better to amalgamate and run one race meeting, and the present club is practically the old Havelock Hack Racing Club. Our racecourse is alongside the Nelson main road. Circumference of course at present is 7 furlongs, but we are going to extend the distance to 9 furlongs, and no doubt it will be an ideal track. We have not got the course fenced on the inside, nor any buildings thereon, but you can rest assured that if we are granted a totalizator license Aye will guarantee to fence the course on the inside and erect what buildings are required. Distances from nearest places at which race meetings are held : Clubs using totalizator —Blenheim, on the south side of main road, forty-live miles; Nelson, on the north side of main road, fifty miles; club not using totalizator—Wairau Valley, forty-five miles. The Pelorus Hack Racing Club is a registered club in every sense. By the Deputation. —As to the course, we have an agreement with Mr. Knapman, the hotelkeeper here, to lease the paddock on which the course is situated for ten years. .He has undertaken to put the course in first-class order and to fence it half-way, and the club has agreed to do the rest of the fencing on the inside. We are prepared to put up the necessary accommodation in the event of our getting a permit. We think the present site is an ideal one for the course, because it is on this side of the river, and is accessible to motor-cars from both Nelson and Blenheim. We are situated half-way between Nelson, and Blenheim. Most of the horses competing at these meetings travel through here, and we could have a meeting here to fit in between the Nelson and Blenheim meetings, which would suit horse-owners admirably. Of course, at present our course is nothing to boast of, but we only started here since the Havelock Club lost its course. We have many real live sports in the district who are prepared to support our club. We consider we could provide an excellent day's sport, and it is our ambition to give the residents of this district a good day's sport and not to hold a meeting for gambling purposes only. We find now that we really want a permit in order to make both ends meet. The object of the amalgamation between the two clubs was to avoid any friction in our application for one of these permits. At our last meeting we had between six hundred and eight hundred people present, and from sixty to seventy motor-cars. The people all about make a sort of picnic of our day's sport. That attendance shows that with a permit we could cater for a big crowd. All we want you to do is to weigh up our claims with the other claims. Takaka Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Takaka. The club has been in continuous existence for the past eighteen years, and is registered. The last meeting was held in February, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a, copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. 'The racecourse has a fine natural situation, with a sloping terrace at the side which affords an ideal natural grandstand. There are no permanent buildings erected, but it is proposed to make improvements in this direction if the permit is granted. The circumference of the course is 6 1 furlongs. The tenure is leasehold. The course is fenced except about 2 furlongs, which will be completed before the next meeting, on the 2nd February next. The nearest club using the totalizator is at Nelson, seventy-three miles distant. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are at Karamea and Murehison, about a hundred and twenty miles distant. We have, as before stated, been in existence continuously for eighteen years, and, notwithstanding that we were deprived of the bookmakers three years ago, have continued to prosper, until this year the balance-sheet discloses a credit balance of £79 odd, which under the circumstances must be considered distinctly good. Other clubs now applying for a permit have under similar conditions practically ceased to exist. Moreover, our meeting is held every year on the day following the Agricultural and Pastoral Society's Summer Show, and a very large number of people from Nelson and the surrounding districts make a holiday excursion of this, and arc always provided with a good day's sport. There is only one totalizator club (Nelson) in the whole of the Nelson District, and it only holds one meeting a year, so that if a permit is granted to the Takaka Club it will stimulate racing and the breeding of good horses in this district to an immense extent, besides placing the district on a more equal footing with other districts. The members of our club's committee have personally guaranteed more than the amount of the stakes on the programme should the permit be granted. By the Deputation. —This club has been in existence for twenty years, and with the exception of six years previous to that has been racing for the last thirty-five years. We have never had any revenue from the totalizator, and we have always carried on our racing in a substantial manner. At present we have a credit balance of over £100. This has been a great breeding district for horses, but many horses have had to leave the district owing to the fact that there have practically been no stakes to race for. Of course, we can only give up to a certain amount in stakes. There is at present not one totalizator permit in the Motueka Electorate, and there is only one in the combined Nelson and Motueka Electorates. If we had a permit we could give better stakes and so encourage our breeders to keep their horses in the district instead of sending

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them out. The only outside support we have ever had was the revenue from the bookmakers when they were licensed. We hope in time to shift our course to the agricultural-show ground. We feet confident we can come to an amicable arrangement with the show people. If we get a permit we know we can run a very successful meeting here. Our meeting is very popular not only in this district, but also in the Nelson District. We get from six hundred to eight hundred visitors from the Nelson and Motueka districts. Our meeting is a little outing for the Nelson District. To show what our attendance is we took £75 at the gates at our last meeting. Our prices of admission are —adults 25., youths Is., and children free. We think that as we have carried on for so many years without any outside assistance, and as we are so far removed from any other racing centre, we are entitled to every consideration now. We have always conducted our meetings on good clean lines. There is no doubt that the quality of the horses in the district has deteriorated owing to the lack of inducement to breed and of opportunity to race. We have for years fed the Nelson, Blenheim, and Coast meetings. A permit would do a vast amount of good to the district in improving the breeding of horses suitable both for racing and remount purposes. Karamea Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Karamea. The club was formed twenty-five years ago, and is registered. The last meeting was held on the 26th December, 1913. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. Our racecourse is situated in the heart of Karamea, and about six months ago was ploughed, levelled, and sown down in English grass, making it one of the best on the Coast. The circumference of the course is 6 furlongs. The tenure of the course is leasehold—ten-years lease with option of renewal. The accommodation is very good, consisting of judge's box, stewards' room, weighingroom, jockeys' room, and loose-boxes. We have suitable stand accommodation along the rails. The erection of a grandstand is at present under consideration. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are at Reefton, 120 miles distant, and at Nelson, 120 miles distant. The nearest club not using the totalizator is at Murehison, 150 miles away. For the following reasons we ask for the granting of a permit : Karamea is a dairy-farming district, and it is almost impossible for the settlers to participate in the sport elsewhere; three-fourths of the horses competing at out last meeting were bred in the district. Our club has struggled for years to encourage the breeding of thoroughbred horses, and year after year has increased the stakes with that end in view, with the result that to-day the all-round quality of the Karamea horses will compare favourably with those of any other district in the Dominion. Another very important reason why we should have the totalizator is this : the population is composed of settlers, miners, and bushmen (with an entire absence of spielers, &c, which are found in the bigger centres). To these people our race-day is the gala day of the year, the only occasion during the twelve months on which they are privileged to see a horse-race, and on that day they will "back their fancy," and if detected will pay the penalty. Now, is it right that these men, the backbone of the country, should be made criminals for doing what the more fortunate dwellers in the cities have a legal right to do—viz., "back their fancy"? The amount of stakes and their allotment are fully set out as follows : Maiden Hack, £10, one mile; Flying Handicap, £15, quarter-mile; Oparawa Trot, £20, one mile and a half; Karamea Cup, £40, one mile and a half; Wanganui Trot, £30, two miles; Kongahu Handicap, £15, seven furlongs; Simpson Handicap, £20, one mile: total, £150. By the Deputation. —We have raced in this district for twenty-five years. We have raced on the beach and on different parts of the paddock where the present course is. We consider we are entitled to a permit, inasmuch as we are a community of. about one thousand people who have no other possible means of participating in sport outside our own district owing to our isolation and the fact that we are a dairying district. We have conducted very successful meetings. This year we have eighty members at £1 Is. subscription. Although we are so isolated, for our meeting last year we had seventy entries, and nominations were received from as far as Collingwood, Greymouth, and Westport. Last year our stakes were £150, and that when there was no prospect of our getting a permit. Our track has been considerably improved, and if the club is granted a permit we are willing to make whatever other improvements may be considered necessary. We have had plans prepared for a grandstand and officials' rooms. We have endeavoured to carry out the sport of racing as it should be carried out, and we have been congratulated by visitors on the way we have conducted our meetings. Our main point is that we are 120 miles away from the nearest racing centre, which is Reefton. Westport has not raced since it lost its permit, although we have been doing so. It is impossible for the settlers here to go away in the summer months and enjoy a day's sport elsewhere, as they are milking and cannot spare the necessary time. We are a sporting community, and we think we are entitled to a clay's sport under better conditions than exist at present. Our district at present is only partly developed, and we have great resources in the back country, and great possibilities in the event of our getting a connection with. Collingwood and Tadmor districts. A. bridle-track is now being surveyed through to Tadmor. We also have mineral deposits about which we are very sanguine. We wish to emphasize the fact that every settler in the district is bona fide, and that we are merely asking for the privilege that the people in the larger centres enjoy. We think it is a hardship that the people who pioneer this rough and isolated portion of the country should be deprived of the privileges of a sport of which they are very fond. We want a considerable amount of assistance in this district to enable us to enjoy a sport that is easily accessible to the people in the larger centres. Murciiison Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Murehison. The club was formed about the year 1880, under the name of the " Hampden Racing Club." The club was registered prior to 1900, and is

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still registered. The last meeting was held in December, 1913. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 7 furlongs. The tenure is from year to year, the club never having asked for a longer term. The accommodation consists of weighing and jockeys' room, publican's booth, refreshment-rooms, natural grandstand and beautifully shaded terrace. So far the course is not fenced; it has not been found necessary according to the formation of the course, but it could soon be done if required. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are at Nelson, eighty-one miles north, and at Reefton, fifty-six miles south. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are at Takaka, 119 miles north, and Karamea, 150 miles south. For the following reasons we think we should be granted a permit : We are a very old-established club, and have continuously held meetings year after year. We have been registered since registration started, and in days gone by have had the totalizator. We have appended a list of nominations for five races. Ihe sixth race for beaten horses will probably be larger in nomination than the others. Many of the hoi ses come from Nelson and the West Coast. This is the lavgest nomination we have had for some years. The district is going ahead by leaps and bounds. A totalizator would enable us to raise our stakes and encourage horse-breeding and thoroughbreds in the district. So far we have not been able to depend upon a thoroughbred horse coming into our district, as the inducements at the present time do not encourage it, and it is now a well-known fact that the breeding of thoroughbreds should be encouraged, apart from sport, for army remounts. We are so far away from any other racecourse that many of the inhabitants would like to see a good class of races, but our stakes debar quality in horses, and the distance to other centres is prohibitive when no more than a day can be spared, as this district is essentially a dairy one. If we had a totalizator we would have to change our race-day to suit the West Coast or Nelson, as from either districts horses would be able to break their journey and have a day's racing. By the Deputation. —Although the district is very isolated it is one of the best farming districts in New Zealand, and the settlers are a progressive people. We are about fifty miles from the nearest town of any note, and about seventy miles from Nelson. We have had a hard struggle to keep our meetings going, and we would like to have the means to make them self-supporting. If we had a permit yve could increase our stakes, and we are confident this would largely help to improve the breed of horses in the district. We have been in a stagnant condition in regard to horse-breeding for the last few years because we have had no inducement to breed. We want some impetus to encourage our settlers to breed, particularly at this critical time in our history. Our position geographically between Nelson, Marlborough, and the West Coast is a very central one, because horse-owners travelling between these centres would be able to take advantage of our meeting. Thus a permit here would not only be good for ourselves, but would be of benefit to these other districts, because it would provide another good meeting for horse-owners travelling through. The tenure of our course is not very satisfactory. The present owner will not give us a long lease, as he wants to sell. We can have the course as long as he owns it, but we do not feel justified in expending a great deal of money on it unless we can get a better lease or another ground. With a permit we could hold a very decent little meeting here. We know of several people who would race horses here if there was sufficient inducement for them to do so. At present our stakes are not big enough to warrant them, bringing their horses here. This is the centre of many good districts, such as Raeburn, Maruia, Fern Flat, and others. Westport Jockey Club. The headquarters of the club arc at Westport. The club was formed in 1893, and is registered. The club has held a one-day meeting each year since 1910, when the totalizator was lost. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forjvarded. The circumference of the course is 7 furlongs. When the club lost its license through the 1910 gaming legislation the property was taken over by the mortgagee. Arrangements can be made, however, for the club 10 repurchase the property at the price taken over by the mortgagee. The course is fenced on the inside. The nearest club using the totalizator is the Reefton Jockey Club, twenty miles distant. We had £232 in hand when the license was cancelled. This has gradually disappeared by losses on each race meeting since the club has been carrying on without a license. The population of the Westport district last census was 11,640. We trust you will favourably consider our application. By the First Deputation. —The Westport Jockey Club wishes to withdraw this application, as we now find we can only get a one-day meeting under the amending Act of 1913. After we lost our permit in 1910 we held a couple of hack meetings to show our bona fides, but it would now take a lot of money to put our course in order, and we do not think a one-day permit would justify us in the necessary expenditure. We therefore desire to withdraw our application in favour of the application of the Granity Trotting Club. To Mr. Davey. —There was no meeting of the Westport Jockey Club held to consider the question of the withdrawal of this application, nor has any resolution to that effect been passed by the club. By the Second Deputation. —(To the Chairman) : We represent the Westport Jockey Club, which has never been disbanded. The banking account of the club has never been closed, and the secretary has been carrying on up to the present time. We wish to say that the previous deputation that waited on you were instructed by the Westport Jockey Club to wait on you and try and obtain the permit that was taken from us four years ago. We wish to repudiate the action of the previous deputation in withdrawing our application. We think we have a right to a one-day permit if we cannot get a two-days permit. We have already arranged to have a

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new course built just on the county boundary, and we think the site will make an ideal sportsground as well as a racecourse. We are in a very isolated position. We are fifty miles from any other racing centre, and we consider this is one of the most important centres in New Zealand. We are a great sporting community, and we do not see why we should be deprived of the privilege of a sport in which we delight. We have a population of some twelve thousand people, who, if they want a day's sport, have to go to Reefton, Greymouth, or Hokitika. The hack meetings we held after our permit was taken away resulted in a dead loss, but yve carried on until we came to the end of our resources. If we had a permit here we could co-operate with the other sports bodies and provide a good sports-ground, which Westport at present entirely lacks. At present we are the missing racing link in the chain between Blenheim and Hokitika. We are not producers from an agricultural or pastoral point of view. Our only asset is coal, which is a national asset, and the people who are producing this coal at present have no means whatever of amusing themselves and making their lives happier. We want a permit in order to provide them with some amusement and sport within a reasonable distance of their own homes. Our trotting club, which was formed only a few years ago, is now in a flourishing condition, with a property right in the heart of the borough, and we can see no reason why our jockey club, with the assistance of a permit, should not be as great a success. Our proposed course is a much more suitable site than the old ground, and that is another reason why we think the club will prosper. In view of the fact that the rest of the Coast has fifteen permits, we certainly think that Westport is entitled to one. In fact, under present conditions, it is as cheap to attend a race meeting at Wellington as a meeting at any other part of the Coast. The Chairman: Are we to understand that the two gentlemen who waited on. us two days ago, and who were appointed by the club to wait on the Commissioners and support the application, came deliberately before us and said they were authorized to withdraw the application? Mr. J. 11. Powell (one of the deputation) : Yes ; they were appointed to obtain a permit for the club, and they had no instructions from the Westport Jockey Club to withdraw the application. The Chairman: Will it be possible for us to get an opportunity of examining the minutebook in order to see how far they were authorized to act as delegates of the Westport Jockey Club? Mr. J. 11. Powell: We have sent for Mr. Slee, the secretary of the club. Mr. Slee: The delegates who first, waited on the Commission were appointed by the jockey club to do so at a meeting of the club held at 7.30 p.m. on the 4th March last. It was a meeting of the club called to deal with the matter of putting the position of the club and the reasons why it should obtain a permit before the Racing Commission. That meeting appointed a committee of four, consisting of Messrs. Nahr, Colligan, Lawson, and Gothard, to wait on. the Commission. Two of these gentlemen appeared before the Commission and two did not. 77i.fi Chairman: What were the directions given? Mr. Slee: This is a draft of the minutes of the meeting I have with me, viz. : "Present— Colvin, Terry, Bucknell, Lawson, Carey, R. Colvin, A. Colvitl, Hollis, Roche, Clarke, Sloan, Gothard (chairman), Rogers, Strachan, Knight. Mr. Gothard explained objects of meeting. Roche proposed and Hollis seconded. That Messrs. Gothard. Lawson, Nahr, and Colligan interview Borough Council with regard to getting information re beach reserve for racecourse; also that this committee meet the Commission on arrival and put all necessary particulars before them. (Carried.)" That was the only business dealt with that evening. Mr. Davey: There has been no meeting of the. club since? Mr. Slee: No. Mr. Davey: And no authority has been given by the club to withdraw the application? Mr. Slee: Certainly not. The. Chairm.an: Were the two gentlemen who were absent, from the first deputation notified of the hour the Commissioners intended to receive the deputation? Mr. Slee: Yes. On receipt of your wire I imraediatelv sent out a notice to the four committeemen appointed notifying them that the Commission would meet them at 2.30 p.m. on Monday last. Again on the preceding Friday I sent another notice to each reminding them of the meeting. Each had two notices of the sitting of the Commission. Inter-Wanganui Racing Club. The headquarters of the club are at Harihari, Westland. The club was formed in 1910, and is registered. The last meeting was held in December, IDI3. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The course is ploughed and level, with grass dressing. The circumference is 6 furlongs. The tenure of the course is leasehold, being a five-years lease of freehold property belonging to Mr. C. Davev, Harihari. There is ground accommodation for an unlimited number of people, publican's booth, refreshment-booth, urinals, jockeys' room, and secretary's room, and seats on the ground to accommodate two hundred people. The course is fenced on both sides of straight for 5 chains from judge's box; remainder of inside of course is to be fenced. The nearest club using the totalizator is at Hokitika. fiftvone miles distant. The nearest club not using the totalizator is sixty-two miles distant. We consider if we received a totalizator permit, more people would attend the country meetings. Moreover, settlement being now firmly established in this district, settlers would go in more extensively for horse-breeding if they had the local encouragement and competition. The district is very isolated. The railway from Hokitika. to Ross (fifteen miles) ends thirty-six miles from Harihari. There are three rough river-crossings—Mikonni. Little Waifnha, and Evans—which often impede traffic. It is not convenient for the settlers generally, being mostly regular suppliers to the cheese-factory, to leave their homes for the extended time necessary to attend the Hokitika race

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meeting. South of Harihari there are considerable settlements at Wataroa, Okarito, and Waiho, the people of which could reach Harihari comfortably and enjoy the day's meeting. The district generally is essentially a country district, and the meeting is a country gathering in the truest sense. The issue of a totalizator license would give a greater incentive to the people to gather together, bring more people into the district, and so help to promote the general prosperity, while it is not unreasonable to expect the breeding of horses to be taken up more actively. By the Deputation. —Our race meetings have been well supported since they were started. This district is going ahead by leaps and bounds, and there are a lot of men in the district who are devoting their attention to blood stock. Although South Westland has been isolated for many years, the settlers are a live body, and they intend to progress. At the present time the cheese industry is rapidly developing. Five years ago there were nine suppliers to the factory, now there are sixteen, and the output of cheese is about 105 tons as against 47 tons three years ago. There was no school here five years ago, and to-day there is a school with twenty scholars. The population of the district south of the present railway terminus at Ross is between one thousand and fifteen hundred. We had forty nominations at our last meeting and thirty-three acceptances. We have already expended on our track £50, and we are prepared to expend £500 if we get a permit. At present there are sixteen brood mares and six sires in this district, and eight gallopers and six trotters in work and racing this season. We have also five trotting brood mares and two trotting sires. There are about twenty youngsters coming on out of these mares. We propose to make our course 6 furlongs, or over if required. We would also like to mention, to show how the district is progressing, that a contract has just been let for the erection of saleyards here. We think this district is entitled to a little consideration in the matter of these permits. This is a convenient centre for the whole district, and a permit will greatly encourage the settlers to go in for breeding good horses. In addition to the cheese-factory here there are also factories at Waitaha and Wataroa, both of which districts have shown marked progress in recent years. We think we are justly entitled to a little sport to break the monotony of our lives in this remote and isolated district. Owing to this being a dairying district it is impossible for our settlers to spare the time to visit Hokitika for a race meeting, but they could do so if we had a totalizator meeting here. Our population is rapidly growing, and we would point out that on a population basis Westland has less permits than any other part of New Zealand. We are now passing from gold-mining to agricultural and pastoral pursuits, and our progress is now permanent. We urge the isolation of the district as our strong claim for a permit.

HUNT CLUBS. Pakuranga Hunt Club. The headquarters of the club are at Auckland. The club was formed in 1872, and is registered. The last meeting was held on the Ellerslie Racecourse in August, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. We arc inclined to think that the non-issue of permits should not apply to hunt clubs, as we believe the object of granting permits to hunt clubs is to assist to provide revenue for the purpose of fostering and encouraging the sport of hunting. You will readily understand that the benefit to a hunt club would be very largely discounted if it had to maintain its own racecourse and the necessary buildings for same, therefore we hope to obtain permission to race on one or other of the well-known racecourses near Auckland. We have forwarded a book on the history of the Pakuranga Hunt. By the Deputation. —We wish to say we shall race at Ellerslie Racecourse if we get a permit. Our kennels are at East Tamaki, and we have eighteen couples of hounds and nine couples of puppies. The antiquity of the club is one of our strongest arguments. We are the oldest in New Zealand. We have struggled along. We have always been a clean hunt club. We have lived practically from hand to mouth for the last forty years, but we have always managed to keep going, with a large list of members. We had to build new kennels and move further out, and we want a little more financial help from a totalizator permit to enable us to wipe off the debt on the kennels and to keep the hunt going as it should. Our membership covers a very large area —probably the largest hunting district in New Zealand. We find we have to extend our boundaries, which entails a much larger expense in carrying the hounds by train. Population here is spreading now. The farthest distance we have sent the pack to hunt is Waiuku, forty miles. In one way the extension of our country' does a great deal of good, because it brings in the farmers in the outlying districts. The young fellows keep a good horse, and they make the pick of the Mounted Rifles about the district. Many of our members and their horses have gone with the Expeditionary Force. It is well known that our voting fellows who hunt make the best of our cavalry leaders. We get £200 a year from the Auckland Racing Club. No other racing club gives us a donation. We will lose that £200 if we get a totalizator permit, but we do not think the club will take off the races for hunters that now appear on their programme. The Auckland Racing Club gives stakes to the value of £360 for hunters' races. We get three races in the year from the club, and we understand these will not be withdrawn if we get a permit. There is no doubt these races encourage the hunters. Tf we had a permit with one day's racing, thus losing the £200 subsidy, we are sure we should be £500 better off. We could easily make a profit of £700. We, are satisfied on that point. The area of our kennel property is about 7 acres, and we-owe £500 on it. The property is valued at £1,278. Our membership fee is £3 3s. for gentlemen and £1 Is. for ladies, and honorary members £1 Is. Country members belong to the club and enjoys the same rights as full members, but we hunt

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over their ground. We have fifty members paying £3 3s. We pay our huntsman £250 a year and we get £240 from members' fees, so we could not carry on without the £200 subsidy from the Auckland Racing Club. Our huntsman is the best-paid huntsman in New Zealand. If the show-ring is any criterion our dogs are the best in New Zealand. Our hunters are also the best in New Zealand. We held a meeting just before the war started and we made a profit of over £125, which we gave to the Patriotic Fund. We have been offered the Ellerslie and Avondale courses for our meetings free of cost. Wo consider that if we get a permit we are in a position in Auckland to give a decent stake. We can guarantee £500 at our first meeting if we get a permit. We have, men on our executive capable of carrying out a meeting. Our committee arc men who have been stewards of most of the racing clubs about here. We have both town and country members. The stamp of horse wanted to-day is the hunting horse that can carry a man of 12 stone or 13 stone over country, and that is the horse wo have. We think we breed the largest number of horses in New Zealand. Our country has been the nursery for some of the best cross-country horses in Australasia. We want a totalizator permit to develop the sport more than for our finance. This will be the only hunting permit from Auckland to the North Cape in the north and the Waikato in the south. There are only two hunts in the Auckland Province. We feel it will be very hard to keep the hunt club going if we do not get a permit, and it is unnecessary to point out how much good a well-managed hunt club does in bringing forward good horses which eventually develop into good steeplechasers. Waikato Hunt Club. The headquarters of the club are at Cambridge. The club was formed in 1884, and is registered. The last meeting was held in September, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The racecourse is at Cambridge, and comprises part of the Waikato Central Agricultural and Pastoral Association's showground and part of the property of Mr. James Taylor. The tenure is leasehold. The course is splendidly suited for steeplechasing, the fences being one water jump, one post-and-rail, two live thorn fences, one brushed " double," and two to three flights of hurdles. The water is jumped the first time round, the "double" the second time, and the other fences twice each. The circumference of the course is about 9 furlongs. The lease is for nine years, and is registered, expiring on the Ist November, 1923 ; and there is every chance of renewal. The accommodation ranks well with the country clubs, and consists of grandstand to seat about fifteen hundred people, saddling-paddock, with ten loose-boxes therein. The course is fenced only on the inside for about a furlong (coming into the straight). The nearest club using the totalizator is South Auckland Racing Club, at Hamilton, distance fourteen miles, and the next nearest is the Te Aroha Jockey Club, thirty-six miles away. Neither of these clubs is a steeplechase club, however: the nearest steeplechase club being Ohinemuri, at Paeroa, fifty miles from Cambridge. The only club that provides for hunt events is the Auckland Racing Club, a distance of a hundred miles away. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are the Waipa Racing Club, at Te Awamutu, sixteen miles distant, and Kihikihi Hack Racing Club, Kihikihi, eighteen miles distant. There are no other clubs under a distance of twenty miles from Cambridge. Within a radius of two miles of the Cambridge Town Clock there are at least two thousand five hundred residents, and we think it reasonable to ask for the use of the totalizator to run one race meeting per annum there, and that meeting to be a hunt meeting, the most useful type of the sport. There is one race meeting held at Cambridge, and that is the annual meeting of tha Waikato Hunt. We want the totalizator so that we may give away in stakes something that will encourage breeders in this district to produce horses for the purpose of hunting and of racing at our steeplechase meetings. This type of horse is perhaps the most useful in the Dominion, particularly in war time. Ihe revenue from the totalizator is very necessary to us in order to meet the very considerable expense of upkeep of hounds, as we do not receive 'any assistance from racing clubs. In conclusion, there is no other hunt club within a hundred miles of us, and we hunt here. By the Deputation. —We think we are the one club that has produced better jumping horses than any other hunt club in Noyv Zealand. At our last meeting, with a good crowd and giving £50 in trophies, we lost £15 on the meeting. In the old days with the bookmakers we used to make a profit. We have a good pack of hounds. We hunt as far as Morrinsville, twenty-five miles east; Huntly, thirty miles north; and Te Awamutu, seventeen miles south. It is fairly expensive to carry on the hunt. We have a big list of members, but a large number are farmers, and it is merely a matter of honour with them whether they pay their subscription or not, as we hunt over their country and cannot force them to pay. We have been hunting for close on thirty years, and have always been looking for a permit. Our hounds are looked upon as one of the leading packs in the North Island. We do not run drags; we hunt the hare only. We have a pretty hard row to hoe to make ends meet. Our only source of revenue is our subscriptions. A few of the members round Cambridge have had to put their hands in their pockets very heavily to keep things going. Our hounds and hunting have always been carried on on fair lines, and if we had a little more revenue our hunt would compare favourably with some of the small English hunts. We imported hounds from England at a big cost, and have now one of the best packs in New Zealand. Other hunts are always asking to be allowed to breed from our hounds, and we never refuse them, because we want to develop the sport as much as possible. At the last meeting with the bookmakers we gave £230 in stakes, and if we had a permit we would be in a position to give between £300 and £400 in stakes. We have better hunting country than most places. This place is the favourite recruiting-ground of the Government remount officer for good weight-carrying horses for the Expeditionary Forces.

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Poverty Bay Hunt Club. The headquarters of the club are at Gisborne. The club was formed in the year 1891 by the late Mr. R. H. Mason, who imported a pack of hounds and presented them to the hunt club. The club is registered with the New Zealand Hunts Association as a hunt club, and with the New Zealand Racing Conference as a racing club. The last meeting was held in September, 191.4, a race meeting being held each year for the past seven years. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The course on which the club has previously held its race meetings, and will continue to do so, is the property of the Gisborne Racing Club, who have always allowed the hunt club the use of the course free of charge. The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs 5 chains. The accommodation is thoroughly up to date and ample for all requirements. The course is fenced all round, both on the inside and outside. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are the Gisborne Racing Club (on same course), Poverty Bay Turf Club, two miles distant, and Tolaga Bay Jockey Club, thirty-six miles distant. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are the Opotiki Jockey Club, over a hundred miles distant, and the Waiapu Racing Club, sixty miles distant. We consider, as we are the only hunt club in existence between Auckland and Hastings, Hawke's Bay, that we should be granted a permit. By the Deputation. —The hunt club covers both the Gisborne and Ray of Plenty Electorates. The club has been very successful. This is a very large district of a hundred miles radius, and every one is interested in hunting. We have been hunting continuously for the last twenty-three years. When we first got our hounds we hunted a drag, but we did not consider that sport, so we imported hares, and we have hunted hares ever since. Latterly our race meetings at the park have been held to get in funds and help us along. If we got a permit we could improve our races and kennels. We do not think there are any better hounds in New Zealand than ours. We imported a good strain from South Wales. It is of vital importance to us to get a permit to help our funds. The club has been a heavy drain on a few enthusiasts. We think it is generally admitted that the best horses sent to the front came from this district. We think we are entitled to a permit because we have been racing and keeping the game going for years, unlike some clubs which only started racing when they thought there was a chance of Mr. Hunter's Bill going through. We are absolutely out of touch with the nearest hunts owing to the isolation of our district. If we do not get some outside financial help in a year or two our hounds will have to go. Hawke's Bay Hunt Club. The headquarters of the club are at Hastings. The club was formed twenty-four years ago, more or less, and is registered with the New Zealand Hunts Association. The last meeting was held in July, 1911. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balancesheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs 116 yards. The tenure is leasehold, and the course is leased from the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club. The accommodation is particularly good, consisting of grandstand for fifteen hundred people, members' stand for six hundred people, tea-kiosk, luncheon-rooms, bars, lavatories, outside stand, &c. The course is fenced on the inside. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club, Hastings, and Napier Park Racing Club, Grcenmeadows, eight miles from Hastings. Considering that the Hawke's Bay Hunt is one of the oldest hunts in New Zealand, and has held many successful hunt club race meetings prior to the abolition of the bookmaker, and that the kennels at Pakipaki are freehold of the club, and the district hunted over extends from Takapau to Petane (north of Napier), we hope that you will favourably consider our claim. By the Deputation. —We had hounds going thirty years ago, but we were not a hunt club then. We omitted to mention in our application that the nearest club not using the totalizator is Petane, twenty miles away. Our club has brought out a number of good hunters; it has been a nursery for good hunters. When the bookmakers were abolished, the hunt club could not hold any more races because we could not give enough stakes. We have freehold kennels and buildings, but there is a debt on the property which we wish to pay off. With a totalizator permit we would very soon clear the debt off. We have fourteen or fifteen couples of hounds. There is no fixed membership fee. Young men schooling horses to get a hunt club certificate pay £3 35., but the members mostly subscribe £5 ss. Any member subscribing less than £3 3s. has no right to vote at any meeting. The amount of £102 4s. 2d. shown in the balance-sheet is made up by a donation of £25 from the Napier Park Club and an amount of £77 4s. 2d. from the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club, that being the profit from the race that they give us at their meeting—namely, the nomination and totalizator money, less the amount of the stake. We had a totalizator permit for one of our meetings. We propose to race on the jockey club's course if we get a permit. Dannevirke Hunt Club. The headquarters of the club are at Dannevirke. The date of seceding from the Woodlands Hunt was the 6th May, 1912, when the present hunt club was formed. The club is registered, and our last meeting was held on the 11th August, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. We propose to race on the Dannevirke Racing Club's course, situated one mile from Dannevirke. The club this year has erected two new stands, altered the course, and laid down a permanent steeplechase course. The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs. The land and buildings are freehold. The course is fenced inside and out with new timber. Ihe nearest clubs using the totalizator are Dannevirke, Woodville, sixteen to seventeen miles distant, and Waipukurau, thirty-five miles distant. We wish to point out that we hunt the hare here exclusively, and we therefore claim that it is a greater trial on the stamina and jumping qualities of a horse. Also, on our hare-hunting

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Country we erect no fences whatever— i.e., spar fences—and we think our club is one of the few who make the rule " Follow the pack and don't look for soft stuff." The reason we seceded from the Woodlands Hunt (originally the name adopted for the Dannevirke Hunt, and afterwards shifted to Pahiatua, as the same was considered more central) was that the master, who resided in Pahiatua, wrote us stating that the pack would hunt no farther north than Papatawa and Kumeroa. We received this notification a few days subsequent to Wairarapa relinquishing the sport. By ihe Deputation. —We started the hunt here in 1891. We were the original hunt club in this district, and we are also the oldest hunt club in Hawke's Bay. We began twenty-five years ago with a paper-chase. In 1904 the hounds were transferred to Pahiatua, and subsequently, as the Woodlands Hunt Club refused to hunt up here, we started a pack of our own. Wo have ten couples of hounds, besides puppies coming on. We have authority from the Dannevirke Jockey Club to race on its course if we obtain a permit. We have a letter from the Bank of New Zealand showing that the Woodlands Hunt Club opened an account with the bank in 1896, and that the account was closed in 1904 and the balance transferred to Pahiatua. The Pahiatua people took our name and our hounds. We held a steeplechase meeting here in 1904 in conjunction with the Woodlands Hunt Club. " Woodlands," the original name of our club, was given to it by one of our present whips, Mr. Roake. Our hounds at different shows have compared more than favourably with, any other pack in New Zealand. We have had some very successful runs. Our membership is drawn from quite a big area, reaching to Akitio, Kumeroa, and Pahiatua. Woodlands Hunt Club. The headquarters of the club are at Pahiatua. The club was formed in 1894, and is registered with the New Zealand Hunts Association and the New Zealand Racing Conference. The last meeting was held on the 29th July, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. We propose to race on the Pahiatua Racing Club's course, particulars of which have already been furnished. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are Masterton, about forty miles, and Woodville, about thirteen miles distant. The nearest non-totalizator club is the Pahiatua Racing Club. We would point out that we are the second-oldest club in New Zealand, that we are the only hunt club that has a pack of hounds in the Wellington District, and that the only support we have received from racing clubs in the Wellington District is £10 from the Wellington Racing Club. In other racing districts the hunter is catered for by way of hunt races for duly qualified hunters, and also by way of cash donations. The Auckland Racing Club gives £200 to their hunts, and the Canterbury Jockey Club gives £200 in their district, also providing hunters (only) events. The district in which the Woodlands hounds are now hunted is composed of small settlers, who have for twenty years kept the hunt going, and have been the means of starting both the Manawatu and Dannevirke Hunt Clubs. When the Wellington Hunt Club gave up hunting, and also the Wairarapa, the Woodlands Hunt acquired the hounds, which they have kept going and successfully hunted ever since. For many years the Woodlands Hunt Club has held a steeplechase meeting. Since the bookmakers have ceased to exist the members have been unduly taxed financially to keep the steeplechase meeting going, which is the real inducement for the farmer to keep his hunter or to breed the same. When the bookmakers were allowed to bet on the racecourse they paid the club from £70 to £100 for the right to bet at the meeting, which was of great assistance in keeping the steeplechase going, by assisting to provide the stakes. By the Deputation. —We believe the Woodlands Hunt Club is certainly the oldest hunt club in this part of the Island, if not in the North Island. It is the parent club of the Dannevirke and Manawatu Hunts. The Dannevirke and Manawatu clubs are offshoots from us. We have had ten very successful steeplechase meetings. Up till quite recently the club was very successful from a membership point of view, but recently, on account of the war, our membership has fallen off. There is a very keen desire all over the district that the hunt club should keep going, and it is only by a totalizator permit that the flag can be kept flying. Ihe Government realize that if they want a good horse to carry weight over country for army-remount purposes they must get them from the class of horse we use, and therefore we think hunt clubs should be encouraged more than they are. We breed and use the finest stamp of horse you can get for carrying a good weight over heavy country. We maintain that the districts which support hunt clubs produce a better class and better-bred horses than the districts where there are no hunts. We have five couples of hounds : that is a little less than they used to be. Some of our friends take the hounds in the summer and look after them for us, which saves us a few pounds. We have kept the sport alive in the Pahiatua and neighbouring districts for nineteen years, and have kept good horses going, and have produced many good riders, who are capable of riding over wire, water, and timber, and of caring for their horses. It is owing to the unselfish and sportsmanlike action of the Woodlands Hunt that at present there exists in the Manawatu district a registered hunt so prosperous as to be able, after four years, to purchase kennels at a cost of over £1,000. About three years ago, in compliance with a request received from southern Hawke's Bay gentlemen, the Woodlands hounds were hunted in southern. Hawke's Bay, and as a result of the interest which the Woodlands Hunt created when the Wairarapa Hunt disbanded their pack was purchased by southern Hawke's Bay, and two years ago a registration was obtained for the Dannevirke Hunt. We think the only way to encourage a good breed of army remounts is by encouraging hunting. There is a greater chance of people breeding horses if they see an opportunity of getting £100 to £150 for them. At our last meeting with the bookmakers we got £91 from them, and gave £95 in stakes. We only want a revenue to give good stakes. We do not want to make a profit out of the meetings with the permit. We have no hesitation in saying we ran as good a meeting as in any part of the Dominion.

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Wairarapa Hunt Club. The headquarters of the club are at Masterton. The club was formed in 1890, and is not registered. The last meeting was held in August, 1911. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. Meetings are held on the Taratahi-Carterton Racecourse. The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs. Good accommodation is provided, new stands having recently been built. The steeplechase course inside is not fenced. The nearest club using the totalizator is the Masterton Racing Club, which club holds its meetings on the Opaki Racecourse, twelve miles distant from the Taratahi course. The Taratahi Club has only a one-day permit. We were able to hold successful meetings from a financial point of view when we were allowed to license bookmakers, but when this was stopped, although we endeavoured to carry on our annual meeting, reference to the balance-sheet will show that we lost money, and as we depended on our steeplechase meeting for the bulk of our revenue we decided to discontinue holding same. We now hold on fixed deposit with accumulated interest the sum of £95. Should we be successful in obtaining a permit our membership would be greatly increased by the addition of several Wellington huntsmen, who now hunt at the Hutt, and of which our president, Mr. C. E. Vallance, is master. By the Deputation. —We wish to amend our application in regard to the course where our meetings are to be held. We propose to race on the Opaki course. The Masterton Club hold their one-day meeting in October, and if we get a permit we propose to coalesce with them and race on the second day. We can make a good steeplechase course there. That is not too late for holding a hunt meeting in this district. We used to hold a very successful meeting when the bookmakers were licensed. We held one meeting without the bookmakers, and lost £20, so we decided we- could not go on. The area of the Opaki course is 127 acres of freehold, and it is nearer to a populous centre than the Taratahi course. We have a population of twelve thousand, and there is only one meeting in the whole of the North Wairarapa at present. North Taranaki Hunt Club. The headquarters of the club are at New Plymouth, and it was formed on the 19th May, 1906. It is registered. The first race meeting was held on the Taranaki Jockey Club's course in September, 1909, and the meetings have been held annually since then, the last meeting having been held on the 3rd September, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the latest balance-sheet have been forwarded. We race on the course of the Taranaki Jockey Club. It is situated in New Plymouth, and is 8 furlongs in circumference. The Taranaki Jockey Club has granted our hunt the use of its course for our race meetings. It is one of the most up to date in the Dominion, and is fitted with every convenience, and is fenced on both sides. The nearest places at which race meetings are held by (a) clubs using the totalizator are —Stratford (two days), thirty miles; Egmont (four days), fifty miles; Opunake (one day), forty miles; Taranaki Jockey Club (four days), at Neyv Plymouth; (b) by clubs not using the totalizator—Uruti Sports Picnic Club, thirty-live miles, but as far as we can ascertain this club has not held a meeting for some years; Manaia Racing Club, fifty miles, has not held a meeting for some years; Patea Racing Club, seventy miles, has not held a meeting for some years; Ohura Sports Club, 140 miles (we have no record of any meetings of, this club); Waitara Racing Club, ten miles, has never held a meeting. We consider the North Taranaki Hunt is entitled to special consideration on the following grounds : (a.) 'there is no winter meeting held in the Taranaki District, and no race meeting is held in it from the 7th May to the 26th December, and on the 7th May the meeting is held by the Egmont Club at Hawera, which is fifty miles from New Plymouth, leaving north Taranaki without a race meeting, except the hunt, from Feb ruary to December. (6.) The sporting public of Taranaki are mostly dairy-farmers, and consequently find it a very difficult matter to attend summer meetings, (c.) There is not a steeplechase on the programme of any club in the Taranaki District, (d.) We receive less assistance from racing clubs than hunts in any other district, as is shown by the following extract from the last statement prepared by the Racing Conference, viz,— Metropolitan District. Grantato Hunt Clubs. Huuters-Kaoes. Auckland District ... ... ... 200 0 0 390 6 0 Canterbury District ... ... ... 456 10 0 715 0 0 Hawke's Bay District ... ... ... 104 0 0 158 0 0 Dunedin District ... ... ... 172 5 0 375 0 0 Taranaki District ... ... ... 55 5 0 Nil. Wanganui District ... ... ... 120 0 0 85 10 0 Wellington District . . ... ... 21 0 0 120 0 0 (c.) Each year the club is finding it more difficult to carry on, and the grant of a totalizator permit would undoubtedly provide funds to enable the club to put itself on a sound financial basis. (/.) The only donations Aye have received are from the 'Taranaki and Stratford Racing Clubs, and without these we would have found it still more difficult to carry on; and this year we do not anticipate such a large sum as £50 from the Taranaki Jockey Club owing to that club having gone in for a large expenditure in purchasing more land and improving its course. (</.) Our club hunts over a radius of fully fifty miles, which makes hunting more expensive for the club and its members, (h.) We have continued to hold our race meetings each year notwithstanding all obstacles, (i.) Our pack comprises the best hounds in the Dominion holding an unbeaten record at the Taranaki, Stratford, Hawera, Wanganui, and Hawke's Bay shows, and having won outright the Hawke's Bay Society's Challenge Cup. (j.) Should our hunt club become defunct it would be a great loss to the Taranaki District, as its existence has been the

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means of considerably improving the stamp of horse here, especially those of the class required for military purposes, a great number of which have been, and can be now, provided locally. (k.) Our hunt was the first to approach Parliament with a view to totalizator permits being granted to hunt clubs. By the Deputation. —Wo have 110 members, including honorary members. The fee for active members is £2 10s., and for honorary members £1 Is. Last year we received £5 from the Stratford Racing Club, and £50 from the Taranaki Jockey Club. The nearest hunt to us is the Egmont-Wanganui Hunt. The jockey club here has no winter meeting, and therefore we have no chance of getting a race for hunters. Our total stakes are between £80 and £100. We give £30 for the Cup and two trophies, £20 for the open race, £15 for the Ladies' Purse, and others down to £10. We have had an average of six horses in the steeplechase events. As we live in a dairying district, mostly held in small holdings, our farmers get very little opportunity to attend race meetings in the summer, whereas a winter meeting would give them all an opportunity to attend, because they are doing very little work then. A winter meeting would also give a farmer an opportunity to train his own horse. The Taranaki Jockey Club is entirely sympathetic. It has donated liberally to our funds in the past, and we feel sure we can look forward in the future to getting more assistance from them. Lately they have had a great many improvements to make, and they have not been able to assist us as much as they would have liked. They have given us as much as we wanted. Egmont-Wanganui Hunt Club. Ihe headquarters of the club are at Waverley. The club was formed in 1884, and it is being registered under the Incorporated Societies Act, the rules having been approved by the Registrar. It is registered with the New Zealand Racing Conference. The last meeting was held in August, 1913, in Wanganui. We held a point-to-point steeplechase in Wanganui on the 27th August, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The club has no course of its own, but it is our intention to use the Waverley-Waitotara Club's course for racing, which is a well-equipped course, fenced, with excellent accommodation for the public, officials, and members. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are Hawera, about twenty-eight miles, and Wanganui, about thirty-two miles. We would point out that our club has been recommended by the Hunt Clubs Conference. It has 50 acres of freehold. There is only one day's racing in Waverley. It is probably one of the oldest hunt clubs in New Zealand. By the Deputation. —Our members consist largely of farmers and their sons. We are doing our utmost to keep the club together for the sport it affords, but chiefly with the object of encouraging the breed of a better class of horses. It costs a lot of money to keep the club going. At one time we derived a lot of revenue from our annual meeting, but with the abolition of the bookmakers we lost this revenue, which was practically the only outside assistance the club received. The major number of our young members have joined the Expeditionary Force, and have taken their hunters with them. Our ranks next season will be greatly reduced on this account, and unless we get a totalizator permit it will be hard to keep the club going. If we are granted a license we will be in a position to make it worth while for farmers to breed horses of this description. Some years ago we were practically promised a permit by the Covernment then in power, and had it been granted we would have imported a sire from England, which would have been placed free of charge at the service of our farmers in return for the use of the country we hunt over. We employ a huntsman at £150 a year. During the last eighteen or nineteen years we have held an annual race meeting. For the last two or three years it was ■held at Wanganui; prior to that it was held at Hawera. A point-to-point meeting is held annually at Waverley. We hunt between Fordell and Hawera, a distance of a hundred miles. We are the oldest hunt club on the coast. At present there is no club between Auckland and Wanganui holding a steeplechase meeting. Our subscription for active members is—gentlemen £3 35., ladies £1 Is.; honorary —gentlemen members £1 Is., and ladies 10s. 6d. We have a little over a hundred members, but over 25 per cent, are 'at the front. Our race meeting at Wanganui was abandoned this year on account of the war. We decided it was better to send our young members to the front, and the older members gave their hunters to equip them. Our members are all small farmers; we have not a wealthy man in the club. We had statistics last year showing that this club was the worst subsidized in New Zealand. We have been badly treated by the racing clubs. On this coast there is no steeplechase meeting except at Wanganui". Probably more, and at least the same number, of good steeplechase horses have gone away from this coast than from any part of New Zealand. We find hunting a diminishing and non-paying proposition, and unless we can get a permit there will be no incentive for a man to breed hunters. The permit is asked for with the object of catering for the people who want to breed a good stamp of horse. Our club is one of the few which have invested a little money in getting together land and kennels. We have a freehold property. Our club was not represented at the Hunts Conference, yet we were recommended for a license. Rangitikei Hunt Club. The headquarters of the club are at Marton. It was formed in 1879, and is registered under the Incorporated Societies Act. The last meeting was held on the 6th April, 1914. The club has no racecourse, but has the use of the Marton Jockey Club's course, which is 8 furlongs in circumference, freehold, has all the necessary accommodation, is fenced on the inside, and is centrally situated and very handy to the Marton Railway-station. The nearest club using the totalizator is Bull's, nine miles distant. The nearest club not using the totalizator is Wanganui, twenty-four miles distant. We would point out that this club, although not holding regular race

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meetings, has for practically thirty years and down to the present time held an annual point-tc point steeplechase meeting of a truly sporting character for which no charge has ever been made to the public for admittance. Such steeplechases arc confined to bona fide hunters, over courses of from three to four miles over stiff country, for trophies only given by members. The club has been the cause of a great many useful horses being bred in the district. Our hounds have been shown at various agricultural and pastoral shows, and have taken most of the prizes. Thirty years ago the club hail a totalizator, but when the totalizators became regulated it did not get a permit, but the Marton Jockey Club did, and they worked conjointly for a time. Of late years the jockey club has made a donation of £30 annually, and has helped the club on and off during its career. We know that in a club such as this, where the hunting is over fairly rough country and a large amount of wire, that a class of horse is being bred which would be ideal for military purposes, and we feel sure it would be in the interests of the country and of the Empire that the permits which are now available should be, so far as possible, allotted to clubs such as the Rangitikei Hunt. By the Deputation. —The first hares were brought here in 1874, and hares were turned out in 1875. In 1876 we bought six hounds, but there was not sufficient sport, and Wanganui took them over and started a drag hunt. Later- the country was getting more settled, and in 1881 we started the hounds. We held the first hunt club race meeting in 1880 at York Farm. After that we ran our hunt club meeting in conjunction with the Marton Jockey Club and on its course. We used to get permits from the police in those days. Then the Totalizator Act was passed, and wiped out hunt clubs altogether. The Marton Jockey Club agreed that if we would run our race there they would give a certain number of races for the hunt club, and that they would subsidize us. We were under the impression when we made the original arrangement that they were going to give us half their profits, but they only gave us £50 a year, and afterwards reduced it to £30. After our permit was taken away we had a point-to-point steeplechase every year, to which the public were admitted free. Last year we decided to attempt a race meeting instead of the point-to-point race. The Marton Jockey Club gave us every assistance, with the result that we made £35. That was really not more than the jockey club had given us. We have not a great membership. We would like to suggest that of the eight permits available for hunts, five should be given to this Island and three to the South Island. We have ideal hunting country with natural fences. We have a very small membership in comparison with the neighbouring hunts at Wanganui and Manawatu, but we have a greater sporting element in our club than is to be found in any other club. Our members are all hunting members. Our subscription is £4 45., but notwithstanding our high subscription we have difficulty in keeping the club going. The Egmont-Wanganui Hunt have a much larger area, and they have many honorary members, and are therefore practically subsidized by the townspeople. They have mostly drag hunts. Although we have a smaller membership than the others we think we are entitled to more consideration, because practically the whole of our members follow the hounds. We have freehold kennels with acres, and we have a permanent huntsman. We have urged all along the absolute necessity of supporting hunt clubs, because it is certain that the best military horse is the hunter stamp. A number of us had to guarantee the club, and by that means we have just managed to keep going. Unless the racing clubs subsidize us liberally or the Government give us a permit, hunting will have to stop. We do not treat the farmers quite fairly now because we are not in a position to do so. We should pay for all the damage done to farmers, but the latter are very good and do not make many claims on us. We pay all claims that are made. The best horses supplied to the Government for military purposes have come from this country. The class of horse we have bred here has proved to bo better than those in any other district. We think it is quite clear that if the Government subsidize stallions we must give some prospect to the individual who breeds the horses of selling them. We would suggest to the Commission the advisability of making some recommendation on that point. We think that by encouraging hunting breeders would get a better price for their horses, and would thereby be induced to produce horses which would always be suitable for military purposes. For the last three months our late huntsman, Mr. Bill, has been purchasing remounts for the Government, and Colonel Reakes has informed him that all the best horses are those coming from the hunting countries. Colonel Reakes also informed him that all the horses coming from this district were the best in the North Island. Again, this club has spent much time and money in endeavouring to improve the breed of hounds. We have always been against anything in the nature of drag hunts. Ours is genuine hunting. We do not profess to breed steeplechasers, but a good stamp of weightcarrying hack. At the present time we have twenty-one couples of hounds in the kennels. The Rangitikei Hunt Club Cup has always been looked upon by sporting men as the one they wanted on their sideboard. We would suggest that if it is found impossible to divide the permits amongst a large number of clubs, it might be possible to arrange that certain clubs should have a meeting one year and certain others a meeting in the following year. We regard Marton as the most central position in the North Island. Manawatu Hunt Club. The headquarters of the club are at Palmerston North. The club was formed in 1909, and is registered. The last meeting was held in August, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The steeplechase meetings are held on the Awapuni course, the property of the Manawatu Racing Club. We are now incorporated under the Unclassified Societies Act, and have a liability of £1,000 (guaranteed by five of our officials) on a property close to Palmerston on which is established permanent kennels for the keeping and breeding of hounds for the encouragement of hunting. The great stretch of

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country (from Kiwitea to Wellington, and from Wellington to Upper Hutt) that we hunt entails very great expense, and without special donations of funds from members and others it will become difficult to " make both ends meet." By the Deputation. —We hunt from the Hutt right along the coast from Otaki, Levin, Waikanae, and as far up as Cheltenham and as far out as Himitangi. It is an expensive district to work. Since we lost the permit we have kept our meetings going. We have been successful, but we are under heavy financial liabilities. We have been greatly convenfenced by working in conjunction with the Manawatu Racing Club. This is a good centre to which people come from all round the country. So far we have made a success of the club. We arc as high in membership as any club about. Lately we have gone to the expense of purchasing a property, where we have established our kennels in order to keep the hounds together. It cost us about £1,000, which four of us have guaranteed to the bank. Previous to this we had to depend on different people taking the hounds, which was very detrimental to them. We expect now to have a better pack. That is the reason of our straitened funds. Since the abolition of the bookmakers we have lived on donations. We have, as it were, a branch at Wellington with a secretary and sub-committee. Waikanae is a part of our club. We have eight couples of hounds. Our subscription is £1 Is. for active members. Our pack hunts at Waikanae. They have not a separate pack there; they are simply members of this hunt, but they have had a point-to-point steeplechase. In addition to the stakes shown in the balance-sheet yve presented trophies of nearly the same value as the stakes. Waikanae Hunt Club. The headquarters of the club are at Waikanae. The club was formed in September, 1904, and is registered by the New Zealand Racing Conference. Our last meeting was held on the Ist January, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The course is 8 furlongs in circumference, and the tenure is leasehold. The accommodation consists of an up-to-date refreshment-booth, secretary's and jockeys' rooms, saddling-paddock and lawn, all securely fenced in. The course proper is fenced on the outside, and the straight is railed on the inside. The nearest club using the totalizator is at Otaki, eleven miles distant. We consider the Waikanae Hunt Club (late Waikanae Hack Racing Club) has a special claim for consideration for the following reasons: (a,.) The course our club races on is one of the most picturesque in the Dominion and its environs are charming, hence it attracts all settlers and country-folk along the coast to attend an annual gathering which influences a community of interests as well as affording a good day's outing, (b.) When this club began its .existence bookmakers were allowed to wager on racecourses, and in consequence the club reaped a good revenue from them in fees. Since the bookmakers have been wiped out, not only have we lost their fees, but the number of entries received for the various events (races) has lessened each year, and the attendance of the public has likewise been affected. These, losses have seriously hit the club's finances—indeed, so much so that our only salvation is a totalizator permit, which would place our club on a sound financial footing. If we do not receive the consideration which the club claims it is justly entitled to we would be deprived of the one and only annual outdoor function held in Waikanae to which so many of the farmers and residents of this district look forward. By the Deputation. —We have had a hack, racing club for about ten years, and since the abolition of the bookmakers we have been, carrying on our racing at the expense of the public. We have had fair support, but not sufficient to make the meetings pay, so the members have had to contribute towards the upkeep of the club in order to have a good day's sport. We thought the best thing to do was to form a hunt club, as then we would breed a good stamp of horse instead of racers and gallopers. We have a hunt meeting every fortnight throughout the season as a branch of the Manawatu Club. A great number of the residents here are members of the Manawatu Hunt, which comes down and hunts here. It is our intention to start a pack ourselves and have our kennels here. We have never had a totalizator permit, Our course, is leased for eleven years, with a right of renewal for another ten years should we require it. The land is owned by Mr. Parata. The course proper is not, fenced on the outside—we were in error in saying so in our application. We have spent £124 on the saddling-paddock. We are a good distance from any other club. The Manawatu Hunt is the nearest, fifty miles away. Braokenpield Hunt Club. The headquarters of the club are at Culverden. The club was formed about the year 1882 with kennels at Brackenfield, two miles from Amberley, to hunt hare two days a week from April to August, which has been done right up to the present time. In 1913 the kennels were moved to Pahau pastures, four miles from Culverden. The country hunted over extends from the Waiau River to Oxford, on the Ashley River. The club is registered. The club has never held a race meeting, but has generally run a point-to-point steeplechase at the close of each hunting season. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the. club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The club has no racecourse, but in the event of obtaining a license it would get the use of the course of the Amberley Steeplecase Club. This course is situated near Amberley, and is thoroughly up to date with stand and enclosures. The course is fenced on the inside. The nearest club using the totalizator is the Amberlev Steeplechase Club, which holds one meeting in the year at Amberlev, which is about the centre of the country hunted by the Brackenfield Hunt, There are several small racing clubs without, a totalizator license which hold meetings in this district, but their meetings are held chiefly in the summer and do not provide hunters' races. We are an old-established club, and are a bona fide hunt club which has carried on the

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business of hunting hare two days a week ever since it began. We are the only hunt club north of Christchurch, and cater for a very large district. With the exception of a small yearly grant from the Canterbury Jockey Club and an occasional donation from the Amberley Steeplechase Club, it derives its income from members' subscriptions. If the club were able to hold a totalizator meeting once a year its finances would benefit considerably, and the executive feel sure they could conduct such a meeting in a proper manner. There is no doubt that in carrying on the sport of hunting in this district the club induces farmers and others to breed a good class of horse. By the Deputation. —We prefer not to amalgamate with the Christchurch Hunt. We want a permit for ourselves, if possible. We receive £50 annually from the C.J.C. We do not want to amalgamate with Christchurch because it would merely mean giving another day's racing to the metropolitan club. We want a little day's racing for ourselves in the country. There is no trouble in getting the course at Amberley, because it does not belong to the steeplechase club but to the Domain Board. We have at the kennels ten couples of old hounds and about eight couples of young hounds for this season. The pack generally consists of about fifteen couples. Christchurch Hunt Club. The headquarters of the club are at Christchurch. The club has been in. existence for over thirty-five years. The club is registered. The last meeting was held in August, 1914. The club held a point-to-point steeplechase meeting in 1913 and 1914 in conjunction with the Ist Mounted Rifles, C.V.C. By the Deputation. —Our hunt, like most hunts, consists of senior members who will carry on on their subscriptions. We have ten members away at the front, and we will have no subscriptions from them. We find it very difficult to carry on at all now. In asking for a permit we only want enough money to keep the hunt going, though, of course, we would like our day's sport. There is a little difference of opinion in the club as to whether we are in a position to run a race meeting. If we could run a meeting and derive a profit from it there is no doubt we think wo are entitled to it. We have done a thing that no other hunt has done—we have kept a thoroughbred at the kennels which stands at a nominal fee for the benefit of members. We think we can get permission from the C.J.C. to hold our meeting on its course if we get a permit. There is a suggestion to amalgamate the two hunts in the North Canterbury district, and we have approached the Brackenfield Hunt, but have not heard from them yet, We would rather amalgamate than have a permit at the expense of the Brackenfield Hunt, To be quite candid, our club is not quite keen on this application. Some of our members are very keen, and if the permit is granted we will see the thing through. We think the best and most economical thing would be to amalgamate with Brackenfield and have a second day for the hunt clubs after the Amberlev meeting. We used to run a hunt club meeting at Riccarton and made a profit of about £500. There was no binding arrangement with the C.J.C, and finally we discontinued the meeting, and they gave us £250 a year, which we thought was very generous. Then other clubs demanded assistance and finally our subsidy was cut down to £200 a year. The C.J.C. gave us the subsidy on condition that we gave up our meeting. If. we get a permit we will no doubt lose the subsidy. Three or four years ago the jockey club used to have several more hunters' races on its programme than it has now, but lately they have been dropped. South Canterbury Hunt Club. The headquarters of the club are at Timaru. The club was formed in 1882, and is registered. The last meeting was held in July, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. We have the use of the South Canterbury Jockey Club's course, which is a well-appointed one. The circumference of the course is 9 furlongs. The course is a reserve vested in trustees for racing purposes. The course is fenced on the inside. The nearest clubs using the totalizator arc at Waimate (one day's racing), thirty miles, and at Geraldine (two days' racing), twenty-two miles distant. The hunt is dependent for its existence on the generosity of members of the Canterbury Jockey Club and South Canterbury Jockey Club, and, of course, encourages young men to become good horsemen, and also encourages farmers to breed hunters, which are a most useful class for remounts. By ihe Deputation. —We are one of the oldest hunts in the South Island, and we have always tried to carry on hunting in the most sporting way possible. We think we can safely say that the district which we hunt, from the Rangitata to the Pareora Rivers, is one of the best hunting districts in the country, and we claim that we have produced as good horses for utility, racing, and military purposes as any hunt in New Zealand. We have always entered mounted sections for the different competitions and they have always done well. All these men and horses have been trained in our hunting-field. Horses trained in our hunt have won some of the principal events in New Zealand, including the Grand National. We think hunting is a great thing for the breeding of horses in the district, Wo are now finding great difficulty in keeping our hunt finances going. We have quite a large membership, but it is chiefly composed of farmers and farmers' sons from whom we get the country we hunt over, and we do not like to ask them for big subscriptions on that account. We have held a meeting on this course for the nast fourteen years, and it has always been very successful. We have three steeplechases and one hurdle race at these meetings. The jockey club here is putting on a steeplechase at its next meeting. A permit would help our hunt-to keep going, and would improve the breed of horses here. We have seventeen and a half working couples of hounds and eleven couples of puppies. We have our own kennels.

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Waimate District Hunt Club, The headquarters of the club are at Waimate. The club was formed in 1882, under the name of " Waimate County Harriers," but for a number of years previous to 1906 the club was defunct, it being revived in April, 1906, under the name of " Waimate District Hunt." Owing to the past records of the club not being available we cannot give the exact number of years the club was defunct. The club is registered. The last meeting was held in July, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 7$ furlongs. The steeplechase meeting is held on the Waimate Racecourse, which the Waimate Racing Club and Racecourse Trustees grant the use of annually for one day only. The accommodation consists of grandstand, stewards' stand, Press room, jockeys' room, weighing-room, luncheon-room, twenty-four horse-stalls, lawn, saddling-paddock, total-izator-house, motor-car paddock. The course is fenced inside and outside of the track. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are at Timaru and Oamaru, thirty miles distant, Among some of the reasons why we consider we have a special claim for a license are the following: The club, though a fairly strong one numerically, is not at present self-supporting, and were it not for the donation received from the Canterbury Jockey Club (£5O) annually and for the generosity of several of our members and supporters it would be impossible to carry on, which would be the means of a number of men in this district giving up the breeding of horses suitable for hunting. The club owns a freehold property of some 8|- acres, where hounds consisting of some fourteen and a, half couples at present are kennelled during the year under charge of Ihe huntsman. Our hunt, which is a hare hunt, is situated in the centre of a large farming community, the farmers themselves being among the staunchest supporters of the hunt, no less than sixty-eight of our members being farmers, and, with two exceptions, the whole district is available to hunt over. The district extends from the Pareora River lo the Waitaki River, and at present we have under consideration a request from the North Otago Jockey Club to hunt in North Otago during next season, a request which is almost certain to be acceded to, thus considerably extending our district and tending to increase the interest in bunting in that locality, and which would also be the means of encouraging breeding of a good class of horse. Amongst the farmers in our membership the majority of them are breeders of horses — i.e., horses with a large proportion of thoroughbred in them, eminently suitable either for remount or hunters. And lam sure you will agree with us that one could not get a better remount than the well-bred hunter; and, in fact, until the present serious crisis arose, the only demand for this class of horse —that is, one about three-quarters thoroughbred—was from members of the hunt, and this has already proved itself by the number of horses qualified with our hunt that have won races over country at different places in recent years, amongst others being Stone Ginger, Otaio, Bugle, Craigdugald, Wainon Melibreus. Included in our members are now some fifteen members of the Mounted Squadron, and we might also add that fourteen members of the club have joined the Expeditionary Forces. Again, in our district we have only a one-day totalizator license in the year, this being the Waimate Racing Club, which holds its annual meeting in March in each year (the nearest clubs holding totalizator permits being Timaru, with four permits in the year, and Oamaru, with five permits), and this, we might add, is one of the reasons why we consider we have a special claim for consideration. By the Deputation. —Our district is a very large one, and there is more country than it is possible for us to hunt over. There is no drag hunting at all. Ours is absolutely a harrier pack. It is one of the oldest in New Zealand, and goes back to about forty years ago. It has always been recognized as a sporting pack. There has never been any question of running for money at our races. We have always raced for trophies in a genuine amateur way. At our meeting we generally clear our expenses, and that is about all. Our horses have done remarkably well in all the hunting competitions in the last few years. We took prizes last year from Christchurch lo Invercargill. We took thirty prizes in hunters alone. We got first and second in every competition for heavy weights between Invercargill and Christchurch. The horses of our members are getting distinctly into the thoroughbred class more and more, and we want a permit to help this movement along. Horses have deteriorated very much indeed in the sense that there is not the same number of good horses nowadays that there used to be. and unless we can offer some inducement to farmers to breed good horses they will mil lie bred. There can be no doubt that the best troop-horse is a good hunter. That is the greatest argument in favour of hunting and in favour of granting a permit, so as to provide a market for the farmers when they breed good hunters. Otago Hunt Club. The headquarters of the club are at Dunedin. The Otago Hunt was originally formed thirtyseven years ago, and was a very live institution until the year 1903, when we ceased activities owing to lack of financial support. Four years ago a number of the old members with a large reinforcement of new members revived the sport, and since then the club has opened branches at Middlemarch and Taieri. We propose next season to form branches at Palmerston and Milton. The club is registered. Our last meeting was held at Wingatui on the sth September, A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balanci-sheet have been forwarded. The course proper is 10 furlongs in circumference. Ihe inner steeplechase course is about 8 furlongs; outer steeplechase course is 16 furlongs. The jumps erected on the inner steeplechase course are the property of the Otago Hunt, and the Dunedin Jockey Club permit the use of the course and strongly support the club's application. The accommodation on the course consists of large inside and outside grandstands, stewards' stand, members' stand, weighing-rooms, tea-rooms and conveniences, horse-boxes, and the usual enclosures. The course is properly fenced on the inside, The nearest club using the totalizator is

B—H, 22,

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at Waikouaiti, forty miles distant from Wingatui. The nearest club not using the totalizator is at Middlemarch, forty miles from Wingatui. This club did not hold a race meeting last year, and we understand that it is now defunct. The Middlemarch branch of the Otago Hunt holds a point-to-point steeplechase annually. We are the only hunt club in Otago, and there is no other hunt club within a radius of considerably over a hundred miles. We have branches at Taieri and Middlemarch, and are now forming branches at Milton* (to include Lawrence and Balclutha) and Waikouaiti (to include Palmerston). We respectfully remind you that the argument in favour of granting permits to hunt clubs was that it would encourage the breeding of hunters, and we feel sure that to secure that good result the permits will be distributed evenly over the whole of the Dominion. In such case the Otago Hunt is, we suggest, able to make out a very strong case in support of its application. Our affairs have always been capably managed, and the local papers here congratulated us upon the excellent management of our last race meeting (5th September) at Wingatui. By the Deputation. —We have a fairly large membersip, and our two branches at Taieri and Middlemarch are keen and enthusiastic. In order to encourage the sport of hunting in the province these country branches only pay half-subscriptions. We send our hounds and huntsman to these districts whenever they apply for them. It is also our intention to establish the other branches above mentioned. We find it is impossible to do all we would like with only one pack of hounds, but it is our intention to duplicate the pack. It is an expensive matter to keep our kennels and hounds and huntsman going, and we feel that if a permit was granted we would be relieved of our financial worries and that things would go very smoothly. We have plenty of energy in the club, and we have new members joining each year. This year we expect a large increase in membership, which will compensate for the members who have gone to the front. We have a credit balance of £20 at the bank with which to start the season. We lease a piece of ground from the Ocean Beach Domain Board for our kennels. We have about sixteen or seventeen working couples of hounds. We have two stud hounds. Most of our hounds we have bred ourselves. We find it very hard to make ends meet on members' subscriptions only. We have had a hunt steeplechase meeting on the Wingatui course each year since the club was revived. We have always endeavoured to carry out our meetings according to the rules of racing. Our application is strongly supported by the executive of the Dunedin Jockey Club, who are in a good position to know whether we as a club should receive favourable consideration. The jockev club has been very good to us, and has subsidized our funds each year. Our programme consists of a bracelet, hack race, two hurdle races, and two steeplechases, so we have tried to cater for all classes. We had to put on a hack race in order to avoid a loss at the meeting. The necessity for that would not exist if we had a permit. We are the only hunt in the Province of Otago. When the club was re-formed it was quite deplorable to see the class of hunters that took part. There were a few exceptions. But a marked improvement has been shown, and it is very rare now that a member comes a cropper, and we think our fences and courses are just as stiff as any in New Zealand. One of our members is the owner of an imported hunter stallion, and it served eightv mares in the Taieri district last year and eighty-two in the Middlemarch district this year. The suggestion has been made that if the club was in a position to take over that stallion it would give the huntsman something to do in the off-season. The whip could look after the hounds and we could thus keep our servants together. This shows, we submit, that we are not asking for a. permit for racing or gambling purposes only. We merely want to encourage clean sport and to improve the breed of horses. A great number of young fellows have learned to ride in the Otago District by reason of the presence of our hunt, and a very great number of them have gone to the front and have taken their horses with them. We find they are the first to volunteer for the front. Over fifty of our members, including three secretaries, have gone to the front. We find now that at the agricultural shows in the district it is very difficult to win a jumping event owing to the number of good horses competing, nearly all of which have been schooled in our hunting-fields. Birch wood Hunt. The headquarters of the club are at Otautau. The club was formed in 1<S86, and is registered. The last meeting was held in September, 1914. A list of tin' present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. A race-track of 7 to 8 furlongs would be available. We have secured an option of 80 acres at Strathmore, Otautau, of land suitably adapted for a racecourse. This land is ring-fenced only, and in the event of a totalizator permit being granted we will be prepared to immediately purchase the property and take in hand all necessary work and improvements thereon. The nearest club using the totalizator is at Wairio, twelve miles distant. The nearest club not using the totalizator is at Otautau. We consider we have a special claim for consideration as we are one of the oldest hunt clubs in the Dominion, having hunted continuously since 188fi. Since 1899 the executive has held an annual hunt race meeting, and since bookmakers were excluded from courses this meeting has been run at the expense, of the members. We have been largely responsible for the high standard of hacks and hunters for which the western district has for many years been noted throughout the South Island. This has been amply proved by the number of horses obtained by the Defence Department at the time of the South African AVar, and again just recently when horses required for the Expeditionary Force. A number of good racehorses and steeplechasers have been brought out by us by our little race meetings and point-to-point steeplechases, one of them. Magdala, winning a Winter Cup amongst other good races, and another, Honest Torn, establishing a record for the Dominion for two miles and a half over steeplechase oountry on the Riccarton course. The management is in the hands of experienced men who have the sport of hunting at heart, and have made a success of the hunt. and. despite a very big struggle, have placed the

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club in a sound financial position. This application is supported by the signatures of the secretaries of the following clubs : Southland Racing Club, Wairio Jockey Club, Riverton Racing Club, Wyndham Racing Club, Gore Racing Club, Tapanui Racing Club, and Winton Jockey Club. By the Deputation. —Our hunt has been going continuously for twenty-eight years, subsisting chiefly on the generosity of the good sports of the district and its members. The Otago Hunt, may travel farther than we do, but we think we hunt a more extensive district—that is, from point to point. We claim a fair measure of success in breeding the class of horse that the Government are so anxious to keep going—namely, remounts. Of the thirtj'-three horses offered here to the Army Remount Officer 80 per cent, were bought. We have more than held our own m the field of sport. For example, in 1909 the Dunedin Jockey Club decided to put on a steeplechase and has since held twelve races, and twenty-seven places—first, second, and third—have been secured by the Otautau district. The Otautau district won eight of the twelve steeplechases. In a scattered district like this we are at a decided disadvantage financially. We have been helping ourselves as far as the limited means at our disposal would go, and we have kept going. For a few years we could not even keep our pack together in the off season. At the present time we have a good pack and suitable kennels. We have fourteen and a half couples of hounds. We have several good stallions in the district, and breeders are making as much use of them as they can, but at present there is not, much inducement for them to do so. If our hunt gets a permit it will, undoubtedly give an impetus to breeding a good class of horse. We hunt over practically the whole of the Wallace and Southland Counties.

TROTTING CLUBS. Waikato Trotting Club. The headquarters of the club are at Hamilton. The club was formed in June, 1907, and is registered with the New Zealand Trotting Association, Christchurch. The last meeting was held in 1913. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The course is owned by the Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The circumference is 8 furlongs 60 yards. The tenure is leasehold, and is leased to the South Auckland Racing Club for a term of twenty-one years, with rights reserved for the Waikato Trotting Club. The accommodation consists of three grandstands, totalizator-house, dining-room, lavatories, &c. The course is fenced on the inside. The nearest clubs having a totalizator permit are Auckland, eighty miles distant, and the Te Aroha Jockey Club, distant about thirty-five miles. The nearest club not using the totalizator is the Waikato Hunt Club at Cambridge, fifteen miles distant. The special claims set forth by us for a totalizator permit are that we are one of the three trotting clubs in the Auckland Province, a district comprising a quarter of the Dominion. The two clubs which are already licensed in this district are a few miles from the City of Auckland and about eighty miles distant from the Waikato Club at Hamilton. To the south the nearest trotting club holding a meeting is in the Palmerston .North, district, about 250 miles distant. The Waikato is the centre of the breeding of trotting-horses in the Auckland Province, and a totalizator permit would greatly stimulate the breeding of a good useful class of horse suitable for all classes of harness work, and an animal which is found to be the best adapted for military purposes. By the Deputation. —We have run. meetings for four years. The last meeting was held without the bookmaker, but we find it is absolutely out of the question to run these meetings without the revenue from either a totalizator permit or the bookmakers. Trotting is goingahead, and there are a great many more breeders in the district than there were a few years ago. Even the Auckland clubs recognize that if- would be Of assistance to them if there was a club here with a permit, as it weuld serve to feed their district. We can say that if a permit is granted this club will have the use of the racing club's course and appointments at a rental to be agreed upon in order to allow the trotting club to start right away. The racing club will give us a five or ten years' tenure if we wish it, with a right of renewal. The racing club has a life interest in the property for racing purposes from the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. We did not run a meeting last year because we could not see our way to do so at a profit. We have some of the best-bred trotting-horses about here, and we have men breeding horses for trotting. The Waikato is the best breeding-ground for the Auckland and Otahuhu clubs. There are a great number of horses bred in the district by farmers and farmers' sons, who are anxious to have a meeting here to see if their horses are any good. There are also in the district twelve well-bred trotting-stallions from Christchurch and two from America. There are twenty men in the Waikato who breed their own horses and import their stallions. The mares are not quite up to the mark, but a permit would encourage breeders to import a better class. At present it is too far to take untried horses to Auckland. We would also point out that the Province of Auckland comprises at least a quarter of the Dominion, and that in that province there are only two totalizator trotting clubs. Poverty Bat Trotting Club. The headquarters of the club are at Gisborne. The club was first formed in October, 1912, and is registered. The last meeting was held in March, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 8-J; furlongs. The club holds its meeting at the Gisborne Park Racecourse, Gisborne. The accommodation consists of stands, jockey and ambulance rooms, all conveniences, and thoroughly up to date in all respects. We have special permission from the Gisborne Racing

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(Tub to use the course, training-track, buildings, and accessories for the training and racing requirements of our club. Such permission has been granted for our J!) 15 meeting, and. further, until such time as our club can acquire a course of its own. The course is fenced by stout rails both inside and outside all round. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are 300 miles distant —Auckland and Otahuhu respectively. The nearest club not. using the totalizator is at Palmers ton North, 250 miles distant. No doubt you are aware that Gisborne is peculiarly isolated ami the centre of a very large pastoral district. Our railway facilities are very meagre, and our mails unsuitable for motor traffic, consequently the settlers and travelling public are dependent entirely upon horses as their means of travelling about the district. The. isolation of Gisborne also raises an additional reason why the breeding of horses should virtually be subsidized by the use of the totalizator, as our markets are limited and heavy expenses are incurred in taking horses to outside meetings. The district is very suitable for breeding horses, and already the inception of our club has induced the importation of good trot ling-si res and breeding-mares, and the stamp of harness-horse in the district is bound lo show a great improvement in future years. This district has provided 150 horses for the Expeditionary Forces, and most of them gift horses. We respectfully submit that our claim for one day's totalizator permit is as strong as that of any trotting club in. New Zealand. By the Deputation. —We wish to point out that it is the utility harness-horse that we intend to foster by the sport of trotting. There is a large section of the community who cannot afford to keep racehorses, but they can afford to keep a utility horse and at the same time make use of him from a sporting point of view. We have many sheep-farmers and men who breed horses among our two hundred members. We have been established three years, and have given over £200 in stakes, and we are in a very fair way to become a successful club. Not only is Gisborne isolated, but it is a difficult place to get in and out of with horses. Probably there is no better district in New Zealand than Gisborne for breeding horses of all kinds. The one class of horse in this district that is not catered for to airy extent is the trotter. The only thing that keeps us from having one of the best meetings in the Dominion is the absence of the totalizator. Practically the whole of the people a hundred and twenty miles up the coast concentrate in Gisborne for all their sports and racing. Ibis is a huge district, with a growing population. Hawke's Bay Trotting Club. The headquarters of the club are at Hastings. The club was formed on the 20th May, 1914, and is registered with the New Zealand Trotting Association. No meeting has been held yet, A list of the present members of the club has been forwarded. We propose to race on the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club's course. The nearest trotting chilis using the totalizator are Greytown, 160 miles distant, and Wanganui, 160 miles distant. The nearest trotting clubs not using the totalizator are Horowhenua, at Levin, 140 miles distant; Manawatu, at Palmerston, 100 miles distant; and Gisborne, 120 miles distant by sea. We would point out that this club is the only trotting club in the Hawke's Bay Province, extending from Wairoa in the north lo Woodville in the south, the nearest, trotting meetings being held as follows: Greytown, 160 miles distant, has a permit for one-day meeting; Wanganui, 160 miles distant, has a permit for a two-days meeting; Horowhenua, 140 miles distant (no permit), one-day meeting; Manawatu, 100 miles distant (no permit), one-day meeting; Gisborne, 120 miles distant (no permit), one-day meeting. Hawke's Bay is a recognized farming ami breeding district, and it is in the interests of the country that encouragement should be given to breeders of trotting-horses. There are at present about fifty breeders of trotting-horses in the district, all of whom support trotting, but owing to the fact that this district is completely isolated from a trotting point of view these persons are put to considerable expense to match their horses against (host l from other parts of New Zealand. If a meeting were held in the district numbers of persons would take an active part in the sport which, owing to the great expense, they are unable to do at present Tin- club would cater equally for the large and small owners, and the sport would be open to all. The fact must be considered that, while horse-racing in the usual acceptance of the term is a wealthy man's pastime, trotting is far less expensive to the individual. A horse which in ordinary times is in use in its owner's business can be entered and stands a reasonable chance of winning against horses which are kept solely for racing purposes. At present there are thirty-five horses in actual training for trotting in this district, and we are assured of a large number of others if we run a meeting here. Those in actual training in (his district include some of the best trot-ting-horses in New Zealand to-day. The club has the use of a racecourse and appointments second to none in New Zealand, the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club having expended the sum of £37,000 on improvements during the past year, the total value of the grounds and improvements being upwards of £50,000. By the Deputation. —Formerly we had a trotting dub in Hawke's Bay, but if was not the success it should have been owing to circumstances it is not, necessary to mention here. Now we have a large population in the district, and they lake a keen interest in trotting. We have two hundred members in this new club, and if a permit is granted that number will be increased to between three and four hundred. We have no hesitation in saying that those who now represent the new club are our leading citizens of Hawke's Bay, socially and financially, and men with all the instincts of true sport in them. Ihe interest that is taken in trotting here is shown by the fact that we have private tracks and private breeding establishments, for which the very best horses have been imported. We have entered horses in Canterbury and Auckland, and as far away as Australia. We hold that the utility horse to-day and the military horse to-day is the trotting-horse. There are thirty-six horses in actual training in Hawke's Bay to-day, not going beyond Dannevirke, and there are at least forty-five people who have horses and are going to train them if we get a permit.

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Waimate Plains Trotting Club. The headquarters of the club are at Hawera, and the club was formed on the 14th May. 1906. It is registered. The club has held seven consecutive meetings, the last meeting being held on the Egmont Racing Club's course at Hawera on the 10th July, L 912. A list of the present members of the club and a cop)- of the club's latest balance-sheet have been forwarded. Our intention at the present time is lo race on the course of the Egmont Racing Club. The nearest trotting club using the totalizator is Wanganui, a distance of sixty miles. There is no other trotting club in the Taranaki Province. We would point out that Taranaki is a strong trotting province, and the farmers are largely interested in breeding trotting-horses. There is no totalizator permit in the Taranaki Province for t lotting. There is no totalizator permit for trotting between Auckland and "Wanganui. from I 906 to 1912 the club held seven consecutive annual meetings without the totalizator. 'Ihe club has a membership of nearly two hundred, which could be doubled if the sport were encouraged, The trotting meetings have been largely attended by farmers and their families, and the club has conducted its meetings in a. manner favourably commented on by the Trotting Association. By the Deputation. —The stakes at our meetings have been wholly subscribed by voluntary contributions. There are keen trotting enthusiasts here, and we would have no trouble at all in getting any number of horses if we got a permit. There <we plenty of horses in the district, but we have to rely on Wanganui and Auckland for our racing at the present time, and that is a long distance to send our horses. We have always held most enthusiastic meetings. We would have no trouble in getting a membership of three to four hundred if we got a permit. Our last two meetings were run without a permit or bookmakers. We thought that as there was a chance of getting a permit in the future we would carry on by subscription. We canvassed all through the country for members. Seme one hundred and fifty of our two hundred members have paid £1 each with the idea of keeping the club alive and in the hope of getting a permit. Our meetings have been largely attended by farmers. They are picnic outings. We have never had a totalizator permit, hut we had the bookmakers at live of our meetings. This is a very strong breeding district for horses, and if you go through the Wanganui book you will find that more than 50 per cent, of the horses competing there are Taranaki horses. The trotting as conducted before was not conducted by representative men, but if we get a permit we will get a great deal of support from the members of the Egmont Racing Club. We are getting a good class of men to support trotting, ami we can guarantee first-class meetings if we get a permit. Manawatu Trotting Club, The headquarters of the club are at Palmerston North, ihe olub was formed in October, 1910, but no minutes were kept till June, 191.1. The club is registered with the New Zealand Trotting Association. The last meeting was held in March, 1911. A list of the present members of the club and a Copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The racecourse the club proposes to use is the Manawatu Racing Club's Awapuni Racecourse. The circumference of the course is 8 furlongs. The tenure is only for the meeting. The Manawatu Racing Club has allowed us the use of the course on. a payment to be arranged. The accommodation is most adequate in every way, the course and appointments being amongst the most up to date in the Dominion. The course is securely fenced on both sides. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are the Wanganui Trotting Club, Wanganui; Hutt Valley Trotting Club, Petone; South Wairarapa Trotting Club, Greytown; Manawatu Racing Club, Palmerston North; and Feilding Jockey Club, Feilding. The nearest olub not using the totalizator is the Horowhenua Trotting Club, Levin. You will note the grounds we base out' claim on are —population served; facilities for enabling the greatest number to attend at the least expense, in the shortest time, and with the greatest ease; the conveniences and appointments of the course; and the benefit to horsebreeding in the district. In regard to population, Ihe figures are as follows :— Population. Clubs. Permits. Days. North Island ... ... ... 590,165 5 8 15 South Island ... ... ... 462,198 12 21 36 showing the preponderance of trotting in the South Island, allowing one day lo every 12,838 of population as against one day to every 39,344 in the North Island just three times'as much in the South Island. The permits in the South Island are fairly evenly distributed among the provinces, as —Canterbury, with 180,100 population, has nineteen day's, Otago and Southland, with 198,625 population, have eight days, Marlborough, Nelson, and Westland, with 83,473 population, have nine days. In the North Island the fifteen days are almost wholly in the Auckland Province, which, with 276,617 population, has eleven days, while Wellington,' Hawke's Bay, and Taranaki, with a total population of 313,518, have only four days, divided up amongst three clubs —Wanganui two days, Hutt Valley one day, and Smith Wairarapa one day, This allows one day for every 25,149 people in the Auckland Province, while Wellington, Hawke's Bay, and Taranaki (with four days)—which are the most populous and fertile provinces in the Dominion, and with the best railway service—have the proportion of only one day to every 78,379 of population. This is emphasized when it is considered that for the whole of the South Island there is one day to every 12,838 persons, while the Nelson; Marlborough, and Westland Provinces, with nine days, have equal to one day to every 9,274, and Canterbury, with nineteen days, lias one day to every 9,478 persons. This shows that the Wellington, Hawke's Bay, and Taranaki Provinces, although" having nearly one-third of the total population and in the most central portion of the Dominion, have only equal to one-thirteenth of the trotting, and compared with the Nelson, Westland, and Marlborough or Canterbury Provinces, have only one-eighth as much as either; while Nelson, Marlborough, and Westland. although having only a quarter of

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the population, have more than twice as many days. These figures, we think, show the need for trotting permits in the populous Wellington, Hawke's Bay, and Taranaki Provinces, of which Palmerston North is the natural centre. As regards facilities for attending a trotting meeting at Palmerston North and appointments of the racecourse, Palmerston North is the junction of six railway-lines from Auckland, New Plymouth, Foxton, Wellington, Napier, and the Wairarapa, all of which are within a day's journey, and people can attend from the wide radius of Taihape, Wanganui, Foxton, Wellington, Masterton, and Waipukurau, and intermediate stations, and return home after the races on the same day. This area alone contains a. population of about 178,000 persons, not including the local population of 11,709 —a total of nearly 200,000 altogether. The course we propose and have permission to use is the Manawatu Racing Club's Awapuni Racecourse, which is one of the most up-to-date courses in the Dominion, affording the best, conveniences to the public and horse-owners in every way, and with a railway-siding right on to the course. Owing to the lack of trotting in Wellington. Taranaki, and Hawke's Bay Provinces few trotting-horses are bred in these districts, and the utility of this breed of horses is well known —they are hardy, intelligent, docile, and staunch, atid their speed renders them particularly valuable to all persons who drive, whether for pleasure or profit, and, crossed with heavier breeds, they produce first-class strong and active horses for all classes of town and farm work. This class of horse is most suitable for artillery and military purposes, and the necessity of having a large supply of such horses always available has been clearly demonstrated during the recent operations attending the equipment of our Expeditionary Forces. It is recognized that the best horses are produced where there is the most racing, which encourages breeders and brings the best class of sires into the district, hence it will be for the improvement of the all-round harness-horse in the Wellington, Taranaki, and Hawke's BayProvinces, which, from the nature of their soil and climate, are particularly suited to the breeding of such horses should trotting be encouraged m these districts'by the granting of totalizator permits to trotting clubs. Palmerston North is the centre of this wide area, closely populated with the class of people who would breed and need this stamp of horse—the small farmer—and our club respectfully submits its claim for a permit to your favourable consideration. By the Deputation. —The arguments we have advanced in regard to the Manawatu Hunt Club apply to this club. Since we iost the permit the club has been successful and has paid its way. Of course it has become quite a drain on its patrons. We feel quite sure that if we get a permit the Manawatu Trot ting Club will become the leading trotting club in the North Island. It is centrally situated; this is a good country for trotting-horses and a, good country for developing that breed of horse. We could have had a deputation of twenty or thirty, but we purposely kept the number down. We consider that trotting should be increased in the same proportion as it was reduced. We want as many other clubs as possible. We think there is a big opportunity for trotting in this Island, as there is practically only one large club in the North Island —at Auckland. We think there is a big scope for trotting here, particularly with our railway, facilities. A da\ here would serve, roughly, 180,000 people, taking the towns and districts which have no totalizator at the present time, and without encroaching on the clubs already operating in the Wanganui and Hawke's Bay Districts. The stake for our Cup last year was £100. and in the previous years £60, (Mir principal source of revenue has been members' subscriptions. We have 170 financial members at £1, and they have paid that £1 for Ihe last three years for 2s, worth of privileges in the hope of getting a, totalizator permit. That shows there is a big crowd of "sports" here who would like to get a permit to keep the club going. The people are well satisfied with the way trotting is carried on here. The whole trouble has been that the stakes have not been sufficient lo induce owners to bring good horses. We have got a splendid course and good appointments. We have a good many standard-bred sires in the district, and a good many travel through, this being a very central position. We have not had much encouragement here to induce owners to breed good horses. Horowhenua Trotting Club. The headquarters of the club are at Levin. The club was formed in May, 1914, and is registered. The last meeting was held in September, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 8 furlong's. The races are held on the Horowhenua Hack Racing Club's racecourse. Ihe accommodation consists of loose-boxes, grandstands, luncheon-booths, publican's booth, &c. The course is fenced both inside and outside. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are the Hutt Trotting Club, distant seventy-five miles, and the Wanganui Trotting Club, ninety miles away. The nearest club not using the totalizator is situate at Palmerston North, thirty miles distant. As we are in the centre id' a large agricultural district, in which the breeding of good trotting-stoek is of great importance, and as we take in the Foxton district—in fact, as far as Wanganui —we think the loss of the permit is to be deplored. The stakes given at the meeting on the 9th September amounted to £235 for seven events. By the Deputation.- --The trotting club was started last year, and the meeting was held on this course. The horse-owners were very pleased with the course and with the times put up. We finished up very well financially, considering the amount of stakes we gave for a non-total-izator meeting. We had to advertise fairly extensively. Our membership is something like two hundred, and we collected about £141. The balance-sheet that has been forwarded is really not a correct balance-sheet of the meeting, because our financial year does not end before April. Trotting in a district like this is very useful in bringing forward a good class of horse. The people take a great interest in it. We did think of putting a track inside the racing course, but the owners did not favour the idea.

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Granity Trotting Club. The headquarters of the club are at Granity. The club was formed in March, 1907, and is registered. The last meeting was held in April. 191-1. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 4 furlongs. The tenure is leasehold (twenty-years lease, with right-to-purchase clause), 20 acres freehold. The accommodation consists of a grandstand. The course is partially fenced on the inside. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are fifteen miles distant. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are fifty-seven miles distant. If the people of the Buller district, with a. population of ten thousand, wish to see more than two days' racing in any one year they have to travel seventy-one miles to Reefton or a hundred and twenty miles to Greymouth. We have always carried out our meetings strictly in accordance with the rules of the Trotting Association. Stakes have been increased from £60 to £200. By the Deputation. —We are a very isolated district, and we contend that the opportunities for sport are fewer on the West Coast than in any other part of the Dominion. Any settler with sporting instincts here who wishes to attend a meeting is put to more expense than a person in any other part of New Zealand. Reefton is the only place that one can yisit and return from the following day. If wo go to Greymouth or Kumara or Hokitika we may be bar-bound and be held up for days. This club has held seven meetings, and has increased its stakes from £60 to £175, and we intend to make a considerable increase on that sum. When we first started we had some revenue from bookmakers, but now we have simply to rely on gate-money, nominations, and members' subscriptions. We have made several applications for a permit before, and we were practically second on the 'Trotting Association's list of recommendations. If we get a permit we are quite prepared to make all improvements that art 1 required to provide a good up-to-date trotting-track. We think we can make a trotting-track on our present course equal to any on the Coast, and we have the " sports " who are willing to do all that is wanted. At present we have only two days' trotting in the Westport distinct, and if we want more we must go cither to Reefton or Nelson, which a large number of our members do. We think that the Westport district could do with at, least three trotting meetings in the year. The Greymouth district, which is well served by trains, has about eighteen days' sport in the year. We think that is a proof that this district has been neglected in Ihe matter of sport in the past. We have a population of from fifteen to eighteen thousand. We would also like to point out that two of our members imported a pretty good stallion from America, but I hat horse is now in Christchurch owing to the lack of sport here and the inducement to breed. Under present conditions a horseowner in the district has absolutely no encouragement lo breed trotters or gallopers. The granting of a permit to Granity will greatly help sport along in this district, and we can work in with the other portions of the district. We do not wish to hold an isolated meeting. This is a convenient centre I'm the big mining districts of Denniston, Millet ton, and Xgakawa, where there are many miners, who are all " sports." Trotting has taken a big hold in the Westport district, but we have not sufficient opportunities to race. We wish to explain that should we receive a permit the Westport Trotting Club has granted us the use of its track for our first meeting. Westland Trotting Club, The headquarters of the club are at Eokitika. The dob was formed in February, 1908, and was registered with the New Zealand Trotting Association on the 9th March, 1910. The last meeting was held in January, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The trotting-track is of clay formation, the circumference being 6 furlongs, and is fenced both inside and outside. The tenure is leasehold—lease for five years from the Ist January, 1914, from the Westland Racing Club; rental, £15 per day, payable in advance. The lease is determinable on breach of conditions. The accommodation consists of,inside and outside grandstands, containing refreshment-rooms and booths, cloak-rooms, and all modern conveniences; stewards' room, weighing-room, jockeys' room, bird-cage, new silent totalizator-house, loose-boxes and stalls. The nearest club using the totalizator is at Greymouth, a distance of twenty-four miles away. The nearest club not using the totalizator is at Granity, a, distance of a hundred and fifty miles away. There- was a, tacit understanding with the association when the club was formed that a permit would be granted. Relying on this we entered into a contract to make a, trotting-track inside the course on the section leased to the Westland Racing Club. The track was constructed at a cost of £600, though when the contract was made by us it was estimated to cost £100 only. When the totalizator license was not issued we approached the Westland Racing Club, with the result that the latter body undertook the liability conditional on the amount paid by them being refunded. This undertaking was given. The Coast is still an isolated district, this being one of the reasons why a license was tacitly promised. Bui we rely not alone on the foregoing facts, but also on the further facts that the trotting-horso is essentially a utility animal, that this district is no longer a mining district but is a farming district, two dairy factories being within a radius of ten miles from Hokitika, where the track is situate, and three other factories operating south of Hokitika. South of Teremakau River (about fourteen miles north from Hokitika) there is no trotting club with a totalizator license, and yet with very little exception the occupation of the people is dairying and farming. With reference to the appointments, we stand in an exceptionally good position, as shown by the confidential report of the supervising official sent over by the Trotting Association. The club can confidently state that few clubs in New Zealand have such excellent appointments. In addition, we have never run our meetings without the assistance and advice of an advisory steward approved by the association. On certain occasions representatives of the Trotting Association and representatives (unofficial) of the Racing Association

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have been present at the meetings, and on no occasion has anything but praise been expressed in regard to the conduct of our meetings. Finally, eight permits are to be allocated, and for the last three years three only (this club being Hrsl on the list) have been annually recommended by the association. By the Deputation. —Although the date of our registration is fairly recent, we applied for registration in 1906, but the Trotting Association could not grant it on account of existing legislation. But on the strength of a promise we constructed the trotting-track under the circumstances set out above, and that debt of £600 is a moral obligation we owe to Ihe Westland Racing Club. We also wish lo emphasize the fact that for the last three years the Trotting Association has recommended us for a permit, and that last year we were first on the list of recommendations. Our nominal ions average about nineteen or twenty, and our acceptances about fifteen, and that without the benefit of a permit. Under existing conditions the club does not make any profit out of its meetings. Practically all these horses are locally owned. We also wish to emphasize the point that we are becoming a farming district. We are passing now to a great extent from the mining to the settlement stage, and the prices which our settlers are now receiving for their produce will give the district an immense lift. There are now cheese and butter factories in the southern district, and there can be no doubt but that the whole district is making steady progress. Our cheese last year brought the highest price on the London market. The people have the sporting instinct, and many of our settlers have blood horses. We org*' that the trotter is an essentially utility horse. Although the district is very isolated, the people take a great interest in sport, and if they have a further opportunity to extend their activities in this direction they will do so. Our last meeting was very largely attended, and we are sure that if we get a permit we can make a profitable business of it. It has not been possible up to the present to enhance the value of our stakes, but with a totalizator permit that will be possible, and that, of course, will tend to improve the breed of horses. We have a very fine mounted defence corps in the district here, and the stamp of horses on parade was very fine indeed, and very suitable for remount purposes. Kaikoura Trotting Club. The Kaikoura Trotting Club's headquarters are at Kaikoura. The club was formed in January, 1914, and is registered. The last meeting was held on (he 26th October, 191.4. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. The racecourse is situate about a mill from Kaikoura Town. The circumference is 6£ furlongs. The domain is governed by the Domain Board (County Council), and known as the South Bay Domain. The accommodation consists of twelve roomy stalls, and large saddlingpaddock fenced with netting and cap-rail; water inside and out; new and up-to-date judge's box; usual accommodation for ladies and gentlemen. In the event of a license being granted the present totalizator-shed would have to be removed and another built. The grandstand is a natural one, on the hillside sheltered by plantation, giving a, splendid view of the whole oourse. The course is fenced both sides of the straight for some distance, and the trotting and racing clubs have arranged with the Domain Hoard about fencing Ihe back ; also several other improvements have been arranged for. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are the Marlborough Trotting Club ami Marlborough Racing Club, to the north about 195 miles, the Christchurch Trotting Club, 130 miles, and the Amberley Racing Club, 100 miles to the south. The nearest clubs not using the totalizator are the Cheviot Racing Club and the Wairau Racing Club, about fifty and fifty-two miles respectively. We consider we have a special claim for consideration on account of our isolation. It is almost impossible for enthusiasts of trotting in Kaikoura to leave their business for a- period long enough to attend any of the Christchurch meetings, and even the Wairau meeting means a three-days holiday, except to those few wl wn ears. This district is going in more for the dairying industry every year, so that most people are tied to their work just at a time when most meetings are on. We consider that if we had a totalizator the increased stakes which we would have to give would encourage outside competition, and the people who take a-n interest in the sport of trotting would then be able to see very decent horses competing without neglecting their work. Owing to its formation this district will require the harness-horse for many years to come, and we consider (hat a well-conducted trotting meeting will improve this class of horse here as it has done in other parts id' Ihe Dominion, and those owners who wish can get work out of their horse and sport as well. By the Deputation. —Our principal ground for claiming a permit is that our club has started on excellent terms. In our first season we have a paid-up membership of 161. We held a successful first meeting, at which we paid out £110 in stakes, besides giving three trophies valued at £22. Our gate was a very fair one for a country district. We had seven or eight hundred people on the ground. We received eighty-nine nominations. The club now has a credit balance of £30 after paying stakes and for improvements to the course. Kaikoura is essentially a horse district, and the harness-horse is the one we want to encourage on accounl of our rivers. We consider the success the club has attained in its first season justly entitles it to a permit, especially as there is no trotting club between Blenheim and Christchurch. The two clubs here are working in conjunction in regard to the oourse and its improvements. If we a permit we will see that everything is carried out in a businesslike and proper way. There has never been a serious accident on the course, ami our times are better than those at Nelson and Blenheim. South Canterbury Trottino Club The headquarters of the club are ai Timaru. The club was formed in 1888. anil ran a (rotting meeting till 1898 with a totalizator permit. After lying dormanl for (en years the club was re-formed under the South Canterbury Trotting Club, and has held four very successful

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non-totalizator meetings. All these meetings were registered with (he Trotting Association. The club is registered, 'flic last meeting was held in October, 19,14. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. We will race on the reserve known as the Timaru Racecourse Reserve, on which the South Canterbury Jockey Club hold their meetings. The ci reuniferenco of the course is 8 furlongs. Being a racecourse reserve, we will have a tenure for all time. The accommodation consists of stewards' stands, totalizator-house, scraping-shed, accommodation for horses attending the race meetings. A newgrandstand and tea-kiosk is a( present in course of erection at the cost of £3,000. At present (here is a racecourse railed. In the event of a permit being granted we will lay down a 6-furlong course, using part of the racing-track, and will fence the whole with a. cap-rail. The nearest club using the totalizator is fifty-three miles distant. There are no dubs round about which hold trotting meetings without a permit. The history of the club as far as the present members are concerned dates back as fat- as 1909 ; but as mentioned previously the Timaru Trotting Club was formed in 1888, and raced for about ten years with a. fair amount of success. We held our first trotting meeting in January, 1909. A programme of six races was drawn out with prizemoney totalling £185, and brought a record field for a small non-totalizator meeting. There were 114 nominations and 102 acceptances. This meeting was held on the racecourse proper. The second meeting was held twelve months later, and on the same course, but instead of the main course being used a first-class track had been made. Another meeting was held in May on the same place, and the fourth meeting of the club was held just before the bookmaker was abolished. Out of the four meetings we gave away in stakes £965, made up as follows : First meeting, £185; second meeting, £235; third meeting, £255; fourth meeting, £290. After the first meeting we purl on an extra race, making seven races for the remaining three meetings. The nominations and acceptances received for each meeting were as follows: 1909—nominations 114, acceptances 162; 191.0—nominations 106, acceptances 95; 191 I—--nominations 118, acceptances 75; I.9l2—nominations 100, acceptances 93: totals, nominations 438, acceptances 365. These meetings were all held during the time bookmakers were legalized, with the result that we were able to make a profit of £175. Our meeting w r as cv( out by the Racing Commission in favour of Oamaru We might here point out the injustice of the Commission in respect of these two clubs. We had run four meetings, had a first-class 6-furlong track' on a racecourse with all conveniences. Oamaru, who had a track of their own, in the same length of time had been able to run only one meeting, the others having to be abandoned owing to the small support and the bad weather. If we had been given a permit we would have been in a better position than Oamaru is to-day. On the population basis we should have a permit. Oamaru and district, with a population of 17,670, has one; Ashburton and district, with a population of 14,984, has two; Timaru and •district, with a population of 35.623, has none. You can see for yourself what an injustice has been done to the district. The country round about is really good for the breeding of the utility horse, and at the time the trotting meeting was in existence a. number of first-class stallions and blood mares had come and were, coining into the district. Lately the sport of trotting has gone ahead again, and on making inquiries we find that there are about a hundred owners with 270 horses, and that there are some twenty stallions in the South Canterbury district between the Rangitata and the Waitaki. You will notice if you peruse the race-books of the following meetings—Waimate. Kurow. Geraldine, and Ashburton—which have trotting races on their programmes, that you can average twenty-five nominations and twenty starters in each race, which will-go to show how trotting is supported in and around Timaru. A further argument thai we should be granted a permit is the unanimous report of all papers that the South Canterbury Regiment of the Expeditionary Force is the best mounted regiment in the South Island, and the Government are drawing very heavily on the district for remounts to fill quotas of other districts. Looking through the race-books of metropolitan meetings you will find the following horses bred in South Canterbury : Jingle. Wild Barm, Crown Prince, Centrewood, Schoolgirl, Opihi, Noreen, Princess Minto, Kinetic, Croesus, Andy Regan, King Lvnne, Quinaldine. These few horses will give you an idea of the quality the district has produced, and it would lie safe to say that if a permit should be granted the standard of the horse now in the district would be still further raised. The membership of the club stands at 138 members, which with the granting of a permit would mean an increase to 250 members at least. Before the bookmakers were abolished we had two days' racing in the year. Oamaru had one in two years. Ashburton had four days, and had a totalizator permit for each day : and comparing balance-sheets Timaru comes out most favourably, our club showing a, profit on all meetings, By the Deputation. —What is looked upon as South Canterbury is the district between the Rangitata, and Waitaki Rivers, right back to Mount Cook. We have much close settlement, and we think it is a right thing to encourage trotting-horses for the benefit of farmers and their families who cannot afford to buy motor-cars. We have a well-equipped racecourse to enable trotting to be carried on in a proper way. We have had very great success with our meetings. We have a bank balance- of something like ,£2OO after paying all accounts. We think a permit will greatly encourage the breeding of good horses in the district. We have already something like a hundred trotting-stallion owners in the district. Southland Trotting Club, The headquarters of the club are at Invercargill. The club was formed in the early "nineties,'' but owing lo the hard limes experienced in Southland (owards Ihe end of that decade the sport of trotting and racing suffered, and in company with several hack-racing clubs the totalizator permit was allowed to lapse. On the 23rd June, 190!), the present -constituted club was formed.

9—H. 22.

H.-2'2

and since then has helped to foster the sport of trotting racing in Invercargill and surrounding districts. The club is registered with the New Zealand Trotting Association. The last meeting was held in April, 1914, when £255 was given in stakes. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's balance-sheet have been forwarded. The circumference of the course is 8 T B jj furlongs. There is also a specially constructed clay track for trotters, 7 furlongs in circumference. This club has the use of the Southland Racing Club's finely appointed racecourse, and the arrangement is that in the event of this club receiving a totalizator permit the course and all its appointments will be leased al a nominal rent. The buildings and appointments on this property have recently been erected at tin expenditure of over £8,500, and are most complete. The nearest clubs using the totalizator are the Core Trotfing Club, thirty-nine miles distant, and Forbury Park Trotting Club, 139 miles distant. The particulars which this club consider give it a special claim for consideration of its application have already been recited in the application forwarded through the New Zealand Trotting Conference, therefore it is not necessary to repeat them here. By the Deputation. —Our club has already forwarded a petition from till the racing clubs in Southland, recommending the granting of a permit to us, and, as you are aware, the rules of trotting provide that when a trotting club applies for registration il must be recommended by the two nearest trotting clubs holding permits. We have this recommendation from the Forbury Park anil Core Trotting Clubs. The previous Gaming Commission fixed a twenty-five-mile radius for computing population basis, and we have shown that on that basis Invercargill is entitled to three more racing-days. Invercargill, with a population of 17,000 has four days' racing and no trotting permit, while Dunedin, with a population of 52,1)00, has nine days' racing and six trotting-days ; Cere, with a population of 3,000, has one trotting-day; Oamaru, with a population of 5,000, has one trotting-day ; Ashburton, with a population of 3.500. has three trotting-days; New Brighton, with a population of 1,200, has four trotting-days, besides which (here are two other trotting clubs in Christchurch. We give these figures merely to emphasize the justness of our claim on a population basis. We also hand in a declaration from the Southland Racing Club showing the number of nominations, acceptances, and starters for trotting races on that club's programme for the last ten years and statistics in connection with trotting in Southland.

Number of Horses nominated, accepted, and started at Southland Racing Club Meetings, from January, 1906, to March, 1915.

Meeting. Race. Nominations. Acceptances. ' Started. Summer, 1906 . . Summer, 1907 . . Autumn, 1907 . . Summer. 1908 . . Autumn, 1908 . . Makarewa Trot Oreti Trot Roslyn Trot .. Electric, Trot . . Makarewa Trot Oreti Trot Roslyn Trot . . Electric Trot . . Southland Trot Invercargill Trot New River Trot Dash Trot Makarewa Trot Oreti Trot .. Roslyn Trot . . Electric Trot . . Southland Trot Invercargill Trot New River Trot Dash Trot .. Makarewa Trot Oreti Trot Roslyn Trot .. Electric Trot .. Southland Trot Invercargill Trot New River Trot Dash Trot Makarewa Trot Oreti Trot .. Roslyn Trot .. Electric Trot . . Southland Trot Invercargill Trot New River Trot Dash Trot .. 13 22 24 30 21 24 28 30 15 31 27 31 17 19 I! 21 22 36 29 37 17 17 22 19 19 30 29 29 14 32 21 27 17 39 26 33 13 18 12 21 12 19 15 17 11 19 1-1 17 13 16 9 16 20 23 21 23 II bl 12 17 15 24 21 20 13 26 15 19 II 29 14 23 10 16 12 18 7 7 II 14 13 14 12 13 10 II 9 16 18 19 20 19 10 II Summer, 1909 . , Autumn. 1909 . . Summer, 1910 . 6 16 15 21 18 17 13 18 14 18 12 27 14 16 Autumn, 1910

■H.— 22

Number of Horses nominated, accepted, and started, &c. —continued.

Summary of Meetings.

10— H. 22

Meeting. Race. Nominations. Acceptances. Started. Summer, 1911 Makarewa Troi Oreti Trot . . Roslyn Trot . . Electric Trot .. Southland Trot Invercargill Trot New River Trot Dash Trot ■ . . Makarewa Trot Oreti Trot Roslyn Trot . . Electric Trot . . Southland Trot Invercargill Trot New River Trot Dash Trot . . Makarewa Trot Oreti Trot . . Roslyn Trot .. Electric Trot . . Waverley Trot: Invercargill Trot New River Trot Dash Trot Makarewa Trot Oreti Trot Roslyn Trot . . Electric Trot , . Waverley Trot Invercargill Trol New River Trot Dash Trot Makarewa Trot Oreti Trot Roslyn Trot . . Electric Trot . . Waverley Trot Invercargill, Trot New River Trot Dash Trot .. 22 37 29 86 24 36 32 38 27 34 38 29 23 32 36 34 26 29 18 23 28 38 31 38 23 26 22 24 24 II 28 41 22 28 23 30 23 36 27 36 16 24 15 18 19 25 20 22 19 23 19 17 20 25 23 19 II 23 II 18 L8 23 16 23 19 17 9 9 II 23 15 22 10 15 9 15 13 21 14 16 17 2419 20 18 18 16 16 19 19 23 19 9 15 10 17 16 20 16 21 15 II 9 9 10 18 14 17 10 II 9 15 Autumn, 1911 Summer, 1912 . . Autumn, 1912 .. Summer, 1918 Autumn, 1913 .. Summer, 1914 .. Autumn, 1914 Summer, 1915 Autumn, 1915 Totals 2,065 1,263 1,082 Averages . . 9720 1739 16^,

Meeting. Number of Number of Starters. Totalizator Investments. Average Stakes. Average Investments. Stakes. Races. i Core Spring Winton Annual . . Tapantti Annual.. Lake County Annual Gore Trotting Annual Wyndham Annual Invercargill Summer Wairio Annual . . Gore Autumn Invercargill Autumn 4 4 • • i 4 4 :: : 5 .-. , 4 .. , 2 4 4 39 39 23 31 98 23 48 20 45 48 £ s. d. 255 0 0 355 0 0 125 0 0 140 0 0 1,105 0 0 220 0 0 530 0 0 175 0 0 490 0 0 540 0 0 £ s. d. 5,72910 0 4,4435'o 0 1,203 ( 0|0 1,086 0 0 1.0,807 0 0 2,960 0 0 7,533 0.£0 2,197 0 0 4,992 10 0 6,334 0 0 £ a. d. 63 15 0 88 15 0 31 5 0 35 0 0 138 2 6 110 0 0 132 10 0 87 10 0 122 10 0 135 0 0 £ s. d. 1,432 5 0 1,110 15 0 400 15 0 421 10 0 1,350 17 6 1,480 0 0 1,883 5 0 1,098 10 0 1,248 2 6 1,586 0 0 Totals 40 414 3,935 0 0 47,294 10 0 Averages 10-35 £98-375 £1,182-362

H.—22

W iiiiimg Owners. Grant, W., £295; Thomson, J, lb, ,£275; Baird, I)., ,£255; Nicoll, 11. I., £210;' Keith, .1., £200; Bryant, T.. £186; Moreland. W. .1.. £169; Cross Bros., £161 10s.; Hall and Simpson. £135; Munroe, I!, (i. <'.. £130; Stevenson and McMatll, ,£126 Ids.; Wilson, VV. N., .£123: Cordon. I.. £120; Scott. A. .1., £116; Graham, .1.. £115; Ireland, ('.. £91; Caffell, VV., £90: Richardson, T., £1)0; Brand, C., £80; b'ocheforl, W., £8~0; ('aider, J)., £75; llazlett, ('.. £73 10s. ; Heads, G., £65; Dixon. John. £60; .lones. I). 1!.. £60: Gorton, G., £45; Davidson, .1,, £43 ;de Battencor, M., £42 105..; Hadfield, C R,,£36; MeDougall, J., £30; Churstain, VV.,£25; Jackson, P. A., £22: Jopp, I!.. £21; Dawson, M. I!., £20; Delargey, 11. J., £20; Pollock, William, £2'o; Thomson, I). EL, £18; Duffy, J., £15; McLaughlin, A., £15; MeLellan, G., £15; Clark. J., £14: Delargey, P., £13; Praser, VV., £12; MoCutoheon, W. .)., £12; Newton, VV. .1.. £12: Affleck, T.. £10; Hill. I. 11.. £10; Smith, G, S., £10; Muir, .1. (!., £8; Eadie, H., £7; McGubbin, -1.. £7; McLeod, 0.. £7; Ambler, T.. £5: Johnson, ('.. £5; May, VV. G.j £5; Messant and llore. £5; MeLellan, A., £5; Rowley. T. 11.. £5; Thomson, 0., £5; Swan and Fogg. £3. \Yinning Sires. Rothschild, £464 I On. ; Four Chimes, £453; Prince Imperial, £295; Galindo, £255; Frank Robins. £190; Young Mekinney. £175; Kentucky Vet. £167; Stirling Lad, £165; Lord Chancellor. £161 10s,; George M, Patchen, £156; General Pet, £136; 0.T.M., £135; Stanley. £130; Sir Hector, £126 10s.; King Tracey, £120; Blaokwind, £115; Young Bur lington, £95; Hemic, L., £94; Bellman, £61 10s.; Commander Tracey, £60; lied Rothschild, £58; General Mac. £56; King Harold. £50; Arbitrator, £27; Strongwood, £27: Indiana. £25; Satinwood. £20; General Lincoln. £15; Lauderdale, £15: The .lew, £14; Harold Rothschild, £13; Pygmalion, £13; Berlin Abdullah. £12, Bell Boy L., £7; Del Paso. £7; Fleetwood Abdallah, £5; Gossoon, Co. it'inning Horses. Cathedral Chimes, £361 : Cromstall, £295; Lindetta, £255; Moneymaker, £169; Annie X., £165; Eros, £16.1 10s.; Chelston, £135; Dot Robbing, £130; Stanley's Child, £130; Queen Tracey, £120; Ivan C, £115; Kdenchild. £105; Lyndhurst, £105'; Lady Tempest; £94; Blackjet, £90; Waitchie, £90; Balnamoan, £80; Masterpiece, ,£80; Queen Ann, £8'); Spring Grove, £65; Frank Henry. £60; Lexton. £60; Minim, £60; Caretta. £56; Malehlight, £50; Oyster Shell. £48; Dhan, £46 10s.; Voting Hector, £46 LOs.; Vincent, £45; Kiwi, £13; Bell Hill. £42 10s. ; Massey. £36; Hurley Bob, £35; Louvain Chimes. £30; Red Robert. £30; Hector at a, £27; Woodking, £27; Takio, £26; Raneke. £25; Commander Bell, £22; Chatswood, £20: George M., jun., £20; Tin Barn. £20; Black Link, £1.5; Knapdale, £15; Lady Mac, £15; Mistate, £14; Royal Blue, £13; Rummy, i'l3; Quadroon. £13; Doughboy, £12; Missouri, £12; Rialto, £12; Dolly Rodgers, £10; Papeete, £10; Strike. £10; Varravi'lle, £8; Arbiter, £7; Pine Bush, £7; The Sprinter, £7; Donation, £5; Gamechild, £5; Hokonui, £5; Kouropatkin. £5; La Koine, £5; Motorist. £5; lied Streak. £5; La Paloma. £3. Our stakes have never been less than £250, which we understand is a record for a trotting meeting not holding a permit, Last year this amount was increased to £263. We had Ml financial members last year, and this year we already have over 200 members. There is nol ss. owing to the club by members, which shows that we have a really first-class number of supporters. We would like to remind you that Win Soon, the horse that won the £2,500 cup in Christchurch last November, is owned and bred by a Southland sportsman, while her sire is at. stud in Invercargill, where his owner resides. The Southland horse Eccentric won the New Zealand Free for All Stakes at the same meeting. Another Southland horse, Yarraville, lasl January established a handicap record for Forbury Park, trotting the mile in 2min. 15 sec., while we have many others that will creditably perform with the best in New Zealand. Horses can come here from as far as Christchurch in one day and return in the, same time. We have a large sporting population which will ensure big attendances at: our meetings, and we can thus give large stakes which must be conducive to high-class and honourable racing. If we get a permit we can guarantee that our stakes will be at least £800 for the first meeting. We are the centre of very large districts, and we can get trains from all parts of the South Island. Amongst us we have gentlemen who understand racing thoroughly, and if we get a permit our meetings will be conducted in a most honourable manner. We are applying on behalf of a club that is going to get the support of horse-owners. We have fifty or sixty trotting-horses in training on the course. Winton Trotting Ci.ub. The headquarters of the club are at Winton. The club was formed in May, 1905. The very first formation dates back about twenty-two years, but owing to change of secretary during that time the minule-book has gone astray. The club is registered. The last meeting was. held in May, 1914. A list of the present members of the club and a copy of the club's last balance-sheet have been forwarded. We race on the Winton Racecourse Reserve, which is vested in trustees, and has improvements to the value of about £5,000, including a new brick grandstand, which cost £2,700 to erect, and lawn, totalizator-house, stewards' stand, fifty horse-stalls, cloak-rooms, 4c. The circumference is 8 furlongs. We pay a yearly rent of,£lo to the trustees, who in. return give us a donation of £30 yearly. The stand will accommodate about fifteen hundred people and the grounds about six thousand. The course has a post-and-rail fence, painted white, on

ii. --n

inside. The nearest club using the totalizator is at Gore, fifty-nine miles distant. The nearest club not using the totalizator is at Invercargill, twenty miles distant. We are the oldest club in Southland, started twenty-three years ago; had a broken career till nine years ago, since when it has been continuous. The Awarua Electorate has the least number of totalizator permits. Mataura Electorate has four permits and Xix days' racing; Invercargill lias two permits and four days' racing; Wallace has two permits and three days' racing; Awarua lias one permit and two days' racing. A very large percentage of Awarua farmers are devoting themselves to the breeding of trotters on approved lines as the result of encouragement given. Owners of the best frotfingsifes are now travelling the Awarua Electorate with their horses. .From a geographical point of view Winton would conveniently and equitably serve Southland if granted a permit. The splendidly laid-ofi grounds, excellent racing and training .tracks, ample accommodation for patrons and horses, and other splendid appointments are a good guarantee for successful and profitable meetings. By tin Deputation. —We wish to point out that the Winton district has been the recognized home of galloping and trotting horses, and yet the district has only one permit for two days' racing in the year. This trotting club is the oldest in Southland, and the liberal support extended to it lias permitted the club to carry out each meeting not only successfully, but. to the utmost satisfaction of owners and public. Winton. with the exception of Christchurch, claims premier position in the Dominion as a breeding-centre of trotting-horses, and this is proved by the, fact that such well-known standard-bred trotters as Bellman, Brooklyn, Berlin Abdallah. Berlin Doll, General Traeey. Gossoon, Honest Wilkes. Kentucky, Kentucky Wilkes, Lexington. Lauderdale. Marvin Wilkes, Mambri.no King, Sir Hector, Sterling Lad, Wildmoor, Young Burlington. Voting McKinney, and Young Abdallah (seventeen imported and two local-bred) have been stationed in the immediate neighbourhood. In support of the fact that this district has produced trotters of equal merit to any part of the Dominion we mention the following few of the locally bred trotters who started their racing career at the Winton trotting meeting and have won races from Winton to Christchurch; Yarraville, by Sir Hector, holds the record for Forbury Park for one mile; Annie K. (one of the best, square-gaited trotters in the Dominion); Regina Belle, Nora Burley, Duncan McGregor, Young Edith, Bellflower, Bellchild, Charity Bell, Happy Lad, and P. C, Redwood, and Win Soon, winner of the last New Zealand Trotting Cup,. The Winton Trotting Club may pardonably claim that by its continued meetings the progress of trotting in Southland and the production of such good horses have been brought about. In close proximity to Winton and within a radius of ten miles there tire no less than fourteen privately owned trotting-tracks, which are almost daily used for training and the exercising of young horses. It can be safely stated that there are no less than a hundred either yearlings or two-year-old trotting youngsters in the neighbourhood of Winton. We also wish to briefly point out that Winton from a geographical standpoint is most centrally situated, with excellent accommodation for the public and horses and a suitable train service. The district farmers are keen " sports," and have ever been animated with a genuine desire to produce the best in horseflesh, as is evidenced by the importation of such well-bred stallions as above mentioned. Winton has stuck manfully to this (rotting meeting, and we feel we are justly entitled to a permit.

Approximate I'ost nf paper. I'rnpaiation, not given; printing (Slid oopieft), £42.

Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9ls.

Price In. 6d.

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GAMING COMMISSION (REPORT OF THE), TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AND EVIDENCE., Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1915 Session I, H-22

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