RACING COMMISSION (REPORT OF THE) APPOINTED UNDER SECTION 2 OF THE GAMING AMENDMENT ACT, 1920 (No. 2).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1921 Session I-II, H-28

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Session 11. 1921-22. NEW ZEALAND.

RACING COMMISSION (REPORT OF THE) APPOINTED UNDER SECTION 2 OF THE GAMING AMENDMENT ACT, 1920 (No. 2).

Presented to the House of Representatives pursuant to the Gaming Amendment Act, 1920 (No. 2).

REPORT. To His Excellency the Right Hon. John Rushworth, Viscount Jellicoe, Admiral of the Fleet, Governor-General 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 on the Bth Novem ber, 1920, to be a Commission, as provided in section 2 of the Gaming Amendment Act, 1920 (No. 2), for the purpose of determining the racing clubs to which licenses are to be granted under section 50 of the Gaming Act, 1908, in the racing-year commencing on the Ist day of August, 1921, and the number of days on which the use of the totalizator is to be authorized by each of these licenses, and generally to inquire into such other matters relating thereto as may come under our notice in the course of our inquiries, and which we consider should be investigated in connection therewith, have the honour to report as follows : — 1. We have made a full and exhaustive inquiry into all and singular the several matters committed to us by Your Excellency as aforesaid, such inquiry involving personal inspection of practically the whole of the racecourses of the Dominion in respect of which the clubs controlling the same had applied, or were desirous of applying, for licenses to use the totalizator at race meetings to be held thereon, and hearing in support of each such application delegates from the club concerned, and the statements of other witnesses the club or ourselves considered it desirable to call, and otherwise satisfying ourselves, by proper investigation, as to the merits or demerits of each and every such application. We have also, after public notice of our readiness to do so, given full hearing and consideration to the arguments advanced by delegates of certain religious organizations, and the representations of all other persons who had intimated their desire to be heard in opposition to an increase in the number of totalizator licenses, and also to the statements in reply, both oral and written, of the representatives of various bodies connected with or interested in the sports of racing and trotting. 2. At the time of the passing of the Gaming Amendment Act, 1910, the number of days in the racing-year covered by totalizator licenses was—for racing, 242 ; and for trotting, 62 ; making a total of 304. No days were at this time allotted to hunt clubs. By virtue of the Act of 1910 a reduction was made in the days of racing of 43 days, leaving 199 days, and in the days of trotting of 11 days, leaving 51 days, the grand total of totalizator days for the racing-year being thereby reduced from 304 to 250. Then, by virtue of the Gaming Amendment Act, 1914, and the report of the Commission appointed thereunder, an increase of 31 days was made, being 15 days to racing clubs, 8 days to trotting clubs, and 8 days to hunt clubs. At the time of the passing of the Gaming Amendment Act, 1920 (No. 2), under which this Commission came into being, there were therefore 281 days in

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the year upon which the totalizator might be lawfully used, divided as follows : Racing clubs, 214 days ; trotting clubs, 59 days ; and hunt clubs, 8 days. By virtue of section 3 of the last-mentioned Act, the Minister of Internal Affairs was authorized to issue licenses to hunt clubs for 8 additional days, making a total for hunt clubs of 16 days in the year, and being 1 day for each hunt club in existence at the time. Excluding the effect of section 2 of the last-mentioned Act, whereby authority is given to appoint a Commission for the several purposes hereinbefore mentioned, at the time your Commissioners entered upon their inquiry the position therefore was that there were 289 days in all upon which in any one racing-year licenses to use the totalizator might be issued. The applications received by the Minister of Internal Affairs, and referred by him to us during the course of our inquiry, disclosed that all clubs which at the time held licenses had applied for licenses for the same or a greater number of days, and that a number of new clubs had also applied for licenses. Seven of the eight additional days the Minister of Internal Affairs became empowered to grant to hunt clubs by the Act of last session were applied for, and 143 days by various racing and trotting clubs, in excess of those granted by subsisting licenses. One hunt club had ceased to exist. 3. Upon the completion of our inquiry, and after careful and earnest consideration, we, in complete unanimity, arrived at the following conclusions, viz. : — (a.) That it is highly undesirable, either by redistribution of the licenses hitherto granted, or by the issue of additional licenses, or otherwise, to materially increase the volume of totalizator betting in the Dominion : (5.) That, considering the configuration of the Dominion, and the scattered nature of its population, the number of race-days per year now permitted is not excessive : (c.) That there are anomalies and injustices in the present distribution of licenses which clamour for removal and rectification : (d.) That the population basis for the purpose of distribution is a fallacious one, but that population is an important factor and should have due consideration in every case : (e.) That outlying districts, and especially districts suffering under the disabilities of isolation, should receive special consideration : (/.) That to achieve any approach to accurate justice a certain measure of redistribution is imperative,, and the issue of a certain number of additional licenses is unavoidable : (g.) That to effect this redistribution, provide these additional licenses, and remove the anomalies and remedy the injustices now present, without materially increasing the volume of totalizator betting, it is inevitable that certain clubs enjoying privileges beyond their just deserts, or beyond the reasonable recreation requirements of their respective districts, should suffer curtailment, and that others who have outlived their usefulness, or who are not really necessary to the district they purport to serve, should disappear from the racingmap altogether : (h.) That, with regard to what are called the metropolitan clubs, it should be recognized that the larger of these clubs are, in a sense, national institutions, catering according to high standards not only for the population in their immediate vicinity, but for the racing community at large, and should not be interfered with unless for grave reasons ; but that the suburban clubs are in quite a different position, and are entitled to much less respect and consideration : (i.) That country clubs, as a class, are entitled to more sympathetic consideration than they have hitherto received, it being, in our judgment not only strictly just, but in the public interest, that a sufficiency of recreation should be available for those living at a distance from the larger centres; but that in certain areas a quite unnecessary congestion of country clubs was apparent, and should, to some extent, be relieved,

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4. Holding the views above expressed, we do report our opinion as follows, viz. : that the racing clubs to which licenses are to be granted under section 50 of the Gaming Act, 1908, in the racing-year commencing on the Ist day of August, 1921, are the raping clubs, hunt clubs, and trotting clubs mentioned in the first column of the First Schedule hereunder ; and that each such club should have the number of licenses set opposite its name in the second column of the said schedule ; and that the number of days authorized by each such license, and the aggregate of days covered by the licenses granted, should be as set forth, opposite to the name of the club, in the third and fourth columns respectively of the said schedule. 5. We further report our opinion that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the grant of license or licenses to such of the aforesaid clubs as are mentioned in the first column of the Second Schedule hereunder should be withheld by the Minister of Internal Affairs unless and until, as to each case, he be satisfied that the requirements set forth in the second column to the Second Schedule have been wholly fulfilled. We further and specially report our opinion that, notwithstanding the Takapuna Jockey Club is a racing club among those to which we recommend licenses should be granted, all licenses to that club be withheld unless and until the Minister of Internal Affairs be satisfied, after special departmental inquiry-— which we advise —that (1) the said club is not wholly or in part, or in any sense, a proprietary club, and (2) that its present methods of administration have been so far improved as to conform with usual and accepted standards. We have objections to the manner in which the business affairs of this club have been and are being administered, but, desiring to avoid burdening this report with detailed comments thereon, it may suffice if we state, as one item to which we take strong exception, this club, although pressed to do so, was unable to produce any rules showing how it was constituted or its affairs were governed. 6. In the Third Schedule we have set out the names of certain clubs included in the First Schedule, and have set opposite their names in the second column thereof our recommendations as to improvements in their racecourses, appointments, and generally. We recommend that the Minister of Internal Affairs do insist upon the requirements stated being fulfilled within what may appear to him to be a reasonable time, and that upon and during the continuance of wilful and inexcusable default by any such club its license or licenses be withheld. 7. In the Fourth Schedule we have set forth the names of clubs hitherto holding totalizator licenses the applications of which for totalizator licenses have been rejected, and opposite to the name of each club—shortly expressed-—the reasons for such rejection. 8. In the Fifth Schedule wc have set forth the names of clubs which have not hitherto held totalizator licenses, but to which we have thought proper to allot licenses. 9. In the Sixth Schedule are set forth particulars of all applications made by clubs for totalizator licenses for the year commencing Ist August, 1921. 10. Suburban Clubs. —It will be observed that a drastic cut has been made in the totalizator privileges hitherto enjoyed by certain suburban clubs. This we contend is necessary and proper from every standpoint. It is undeniable that there are too many racecourses in the vicinity of the large towns. Auckland at the present time has no less than five racecourses within a radius of ten miles from the Central Post-office, three for racing and two for trotting. Of what may be termed Auckland suburban clubs we have rejected the claims of two—viz., the Avondale Jockey Club and the Otahuhu Trotting Club. With reference to the Avondale Club, the position is most unusual. This club, from its inception, has had a remarkably small membership. It now has upon its roll twenty-nine members, of whom one has permanently left the Dominion. Of the remaining twenty-eight, no less than twenty-three are members of the Auckland Racing Club, and, according to the returns furnished, only twenty-one had paid the annual subscription. Of the sixteen members who fill positions on the committee and stewards, thirteen are members of the Auckland Racing Club. Not one of the members of this club lives in Avondale or its vicinity. The committee has obviously not welcomed new members, as is apparent

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from the fact that only thirteen have been elected during the last eight years, and the club has an exceedingly discouraging rule with regard to a change in the personnel of its committee. Little or no attention has been paid to the provision of training facilities, and it is therefore not surprising that there is but one small training-stable at Avondale. The totalizator was for many years worked for the club by the gentleman who was then, and is now, its secretary —under contract; but since a rule of racing prohibiting this came into operation the contract has been held by a firm comprising the son of the secretary and a partner- —the secretary himself, as we are assured, not being interested. This club is in a strong financial position, and has a very substantial surplus of assets over liabilities. The titles to the racecourse properties stand in the name of three persons, of whom the secretary is one. These persons were among the original promoters of the club. The rules of the club, adopted in 1909, provide that the properties of the club shall be vested in trustees. No declaration of trust could be produced. This club is unnecessary, and for that and other reasons indicated should not be permitted to hold down totalizator licenses, which are urgently desired by country and other clubs with infinitely better claims. We reject the claims of the Otahuhu Trotting Club, for the reason only that its existence would involve, if it be allowed to continue, the construction and equipment in competition with the Auckland Trotting Club of a quite unnecessary racecourse. This club has, during the whole of its career, raced upon the course used by the Auckland Trotting Club, and still does so. Comparatively recently it purchased a large area of valuable land not more than seven miles from the course of the senior club, and, as we were informed, proposes to create a trottmgcourse thereon, with all modern appointments, in about five years' time, and in the meantime proposes to race upon the Auckland Trotting Club's course. We are satisfied that no difficulty whatever exists preventing the amalgamation of these clubs, between which relations are most amicable. We are clear that the Otahuhu Trotting Club, although a creditably managed club, should not be permitted, at great expenditure of money provided by the public, to create and equip with costly appointments a new trotting-course in close proximity to that of the Auckland Trotting Club, which fulfils all the requirements of the district, and that its existence as a separate club is unnecessary and undesirable. Christchurch has four racecourses within a radius of five miles from the Chief Post-office. Dealing with these, we have rejected the claims of the Canterbury Park Trotting Club, feeling that from the public standpoint there is little sense in this club competing with the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, the excellently appointed course of which is but three miles away, and thereby unnecessarily duplicating expenditure on lands, buildings, upkeep, and administration. We are satisfied that there is no real difficulty in effecting an amalgamation of these clubs ; but, however this may be, we see no reason for the continuance of totalizator privileges to the Canterbury Park Trotting Club. In the Hawke's Bay District there are two racing clubs serving practically the same district. Of the racecourses of these clubs by far the better appointed is that of the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club. Here, again, there is a quite unnecessary duplication of expenditure in lands, buildings, upkeep, and administration. This is another case where an amalgamation is desirable, but whether such be effected or not, the claims of the Napier Park Racing Club are, for the reasons stated, not entitled to favourable consideration. In Gisborne there is still another case of two racing clubs with courses in close proximity to each other, carrying on the same class of racing, serving the same racing public, and duplicating expenditure in the same unnecessary manner. By far the better appointed course is that of the Poverty Bay Turf Club, and, as we can see no justification or excuse for permitting the Gisborne Racing Club to continue, we reject its claims. We urged upon these two clubs the obvious advantages of amalgamating, and are satisfied there is no difficulty in this being effected. 11. It will be noted that by our finding the number of totalizator racing-days has been increased by 9 days, the number of trotting days by 19 days, with the result that the total number of days (including the number of days allotted to hunt

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clubs by statute) upon which the totalizator may be used in the racing-year is thus 316, divided as follows: Racing clubs, 223 (formerly 214) ; hunt clubs, 15 (formerly 16) ; and trotting clubs, 78 (formerly 59). Prior to the appointment of the Commission of 1910, racing clubs held licenses covering 242 days, and trotting clubs licenses covering! 62 days, a total of 304 days for the year. Hunt clubs at this time held no licenses, but now hold licenses for 15 days. It will be seen that the number of totalizator days for racing clubs and hunt clubs recommended by this Commission is still 4 days|short of the total held in 1910 by racing clubs alone, and the days recommended for trotting clubs only 16 in excess of the days held by that branch of the sport in 1910. With regard to trotting, in the report of the Commission of 1910 it was pointed out that the peculiar concentration of trotting had been caused by the exceptional growth of the sport in a few centres, and that this unequal distribution could not be immediately remedied. The evidence is abundant that since 1910 the sport of trotting has vastly increased in popularity, and facilities for its enjoyment are being clamoured for from one end of the Dominion to the other. 12. In view of the provisions of section 3 of the Gaming Amendment Act, 1920 (No. 2), it has been assumed that, beyond satisfying ourselves that the hunt clubs applying for the days mentioned in that section are genuine hunt clubs reasonably equipped, and fulfilling their functions as such clubs, we have no responsibility as to the grant of licenses to this class. 13. Although the allotment of twenty-eight days in excess of one number previously authorized may, at first sight, appear to be a violent departure from the first of the principles laid down in paragraph 3 (a), when the position is closely examined it is not really so. The days of racing and trotting in Auckland, Christchurch, and Napier are reduced by twelve days. Estimates made by competent authority indicate that the totalizator turnover which may be expected from the like number of days plus the additional days granted- —all of which, with the exception of one day to Wellington racing and three days to Wellington trotting, are distributed among country clubs, including some in remote districts — will not materially, if at all, exceed the turnover that might reasonably have been expected from the days withdrawn from the city and town clubs. ' General Recommendations. We venture to think the terms of the order of reference are sufficiently wide to enable us, with propriety, to make the following comments and recommendations : — A. We desire to place upon record A our complete acceptance ot the principle laid down by the Report of the Gaming Commission of 1910 —namely, that any proprietary element in racing clubs or the courses controlled by them is entirely objectionable, and should be rigorously eliminated, in so far as clubs enjoying totalizator privileges are concerned. We hold the view that racing clubs are, in a sense, trustees, as regards the proceeds of their race meetings, for that large section of the public commonly called the racing public, and while no club should be interfered with, as to the manner in which such proceeds are applied, so long as it is reasonably clear such application is for the furtherance of the legitimate purposes of such club, it should be vigilantly seen to by the governing authorities of the sport that no profitsharing by individuals be allowed to creep in. No better recognition of this quasi-trusteeship can be quoted than what has been done and is being done at Ellerslie by the Auckland Racing Club for the public of Auckland —indeed, for the public of New Zealand. In this connection we recommend that no club shall be entitled to maintain its totalizator privileges unless it has acquired the freehold, or a substantial leasehold, of the course upon which it races, or unless such course is part of a public domain or reserve for recreation purposes. Further, it is desired to direct attention to a matter which appears to have hitherto received no consideration, but which seems to be of importance. We refer to the application of the funds and properties of a club upon the happening of its dissolution. As matters stand, some clubs have no rules on the subject;

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others have a rule that the question is to be decided by a meeting of members ; others have boldly provided that the funds shall be divided among the members for the time being; others, again, have specified some worthy object to be benefited. Where a club has a small membership and large assets, and no rule— or an unsatisfactory rule —on the subject mentioned, it is not difficult to imagine what, in certain circumstances, may be brought about. B. In all cases where this Commission has indicated requirements with reference to any club enjoying totalizator privileges it should be made one of the duties of the officer of the Internal Affairs Department who has functions to perform in connection with the totalizator to urge the carrying-out of such requirements, and in the case and during the continuance of any wilful and inexcusable default the privileges of the offending club should be withheld. The same officer should be required to inquire as to the provision for surgical attendance and ambulance accommodation, and also as to the sanitary accommodation provided for the publie and other persons attending the race meetings he visits in the course of his official duties, and to report to the Minister thereon, with like consequences to any club found, and continuing after notice, to be in wilful default. In the case of several country racecourses visited by us we found an astonishing disregard of ordinary decency in the sanitary accommodation provided. C. In quite a number of clubs we found a practice of selling only £l totalizator tickets. Upon inquiring the reason we were informed it was thought that administration expenses would be higher if 10s. tickets were also sold. We are strongly of opinion that all clubs should be compelled, as a condition of their totalizator licenses, to sell 10s. tickets in the outside enclosure. We consider it desirable that 10s. tickets should be sold in the inside as well as the outside enclosure. D. All clubs, but especially those enjoying totalizator privileges for one day in the year, should be compelled to provide reasonable comfort, in the matter of accommodation, for the public of the outside enclosure. In some of the country racecourses we observed, with regret, a marked neglect of the outside public. E. Where a totalizator license is authorized, by the finding of this Commission or otherwise, covering a stated number of days —whether one or more —it should be permitted the club to which the same has been allotted, upon good grounds shown, to exchange the same for other licenses, but always so that the aggregate number of days allotted to such club for the year be not exceeded. F. No license should be granted to any club which fails to provide and maintain properly constructed training-tracks suitable to, and adequate for, the requirements of the district it serves. G. It is most desirable in every case, where to do so is reasonably possible, that the club should itself, undertake the working of the totalizator. The practice, which at present largely prevails, of contracting with the machine-proprietors on a percentage of turnover basis is to our mind often wasteful, and objectionable in many ways. H. Only in exceptional circumstances should a club be allowed to race on any course other than its own, and in no circumstances should a license granted to a country club be permitted to be exercised on a city or suburban racecourse. I. Visiting, as we did, every part of the Dominion where racing was part of the recreation of the people, it was not surprising that a considerable diversity in the conditions subsisting should be met with. Whereas in three of the large centres we were powerfully exhorted —in some cases with much exaggeration, and in at least one other by reasoned argument and with impressive moderation —not to increase racing facilities lest the workers be unduly distracted and industries prejudiced, in that part of Westland wherein sawmilling and coal-mining are the staple industries there was a consensus of opinion among employers of labour that a sufficiency of racing was of the utmost importance to the well-being of the business of the district, and we were besought, with convincing sincerity, to do nothing whereby the opportunities for its enjoyment might be diminished. J. We were gratified to find that racing affairs throughout the Dominion are, with few exceptions, controlled by men of high standing and repute, and according to the best traditions of the sport. Particularly were we impressed by the intensity of the interest shown in the clubs of country districts, where practically

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in every case there was convincing evidence of a sincere and earnest desire to carry on the sport with credit to the club and the district concerned. Invariably, where a country club was found to be notably well conducted, with its racecourse in exceptionally good order, those directing the affairs of that club, or otherwise actively supporting it, were recognized as the very best settlers of the district. Certain country clubs in the Auckland racing district are entitled to special mention. These clubs have, by joint effort, imported from England two valuable thoroughbred stallions, specially selected by the late Mr. O'Rorke, for the purpose of improving the breed of horses in their district. This action is worthy of all praise, and sets an example which might be followed in other districts with advantage to the Dominion. K. The work of which this report is the result has occupied a longer time than was anticipated, and has entailed considerable expense. It is, however, respectfully submitted that it is work that was urgently required, and ought not to be again necessary for many years to come. The information acquired, which includes a complete dossier in respect of every racing, trotting, and hunt club in the Dominion, is now at the service of the Ministerial Department dealing with racing affairs, and, for reference purposes, should be of value. We desire to express our appreciation of the services of Mr. P. J. Kelleher, the departmental officer acting as secretary to the Commission. His special knowledge, zeal, and energy facilitated our inquiries, and largely assisted us in obtaining-the information we sought for. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals, this fifteenth day of June, in the year one thousand nine hundred and twenty-one. Fred Earl, Chairman. Wm. E. Bidwill. W. H. Sefton Moorhouse. James H. Williams. Stanley Rice.

FIRST SCHEDULE. Racing Clubs to which Licenses are to be granted under Section 50 of the Gaming Act, 1908, in the Racing-year commencing on the 1st August, 1921, and the Number of Days to be authorized by each of those Licenses.

First Column. Name of Club. Second Column. Third Number of Number of Licenses. Liei Oohimn. Days to each snse. Fourth Column,.. Aggregate Days. Racing Clubs. Auckland Racing Club 4 License. 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 Days. 4 3 2 ea. I 2 2 ea, 1 1 2 2 1 2 2ea. 2 2 2 2 1 ca. 1 2 ea 2 1. Bay of Plenty Jockey Club .. Franklin Racing Club Hamilton Racing Club Kawakawa Racing Club Matamata Racing Club Northern Wairoa Racing Club Oh inemuri Jockey Club Opotiki Jockey Club Rotorua Jockey Club Takapuna Jockey Club Taumarunui Racing Club Te Aroha Jockey Club Te Kuiti Racing Club Thames Jockey Club Waipa Racing (Club .. Waipapakauri Racing Club . . Whangarei Racing Club Dannevirke Racing Club 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 11 I 2 4 1 1 2 2 1 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 1 4

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Racing Clubs to which Licenses are to be granted, etc. — continued.

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First Column. Second Column. Number of Licenses. Third Column. Fourth Colum: Number of Days to each Aggregate License. Days. Name of Club. Racing Clubs —continued. Hawke's Bay Jockey Club Poverty Bay Turf Club 4 4 License. 4 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 I 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 3 2 2 2 I 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 Days. 2ea. 2^ea. 1 2 2 2 2 ea. 2ea. 2 2ea. 2 ea. 1 2 ea. 2 2 ea. 1 2ea. 2 2 ea. lea. 2 ea. 2 ea. 2 2ea. 3 ea. 2 ea. 2 ea. 1 2 ca. 4 3 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 ea. 2 ea. 1 2 3 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 3 2ea. 2ea. 1 1 2 ea. 1 2 1 2 ea. 1 2 1 ea. 8 Tolaga Bay Jockey Club Waipukurau Jockey Club Wairoa County Racing Club.. Woodville District Jockey Club Egmont Racing Club Opunake Racing Club Stratford Racing Club Taranaki Jockey Club 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 3 7 2 2 2 4 4 2 4 Feilding Jockey Club Foxton Racing Club Manawatu Racing Club 2 1 3 5 4 2 Marton Jockey Club Waimarino Racing Club Wanganui Jockey Club Waverley-Waitotara Racing Club Masterton Racing Club Otaki Maori Racing Club Pahiatua Racing Club Wairarapa Racing Club Wellington Racing Club 2 1 3 2 2 2 1 2 4 5 4 2 6 2 4 4 2 4 Marlborough Racing Club Akaroa County Racing Club Ashburton County Racing Club Canterbury Jockey Club 2 1 2 4 LO 4 I 4 Geraldine Racing Club Hororata Racing Club Mackenzie Racing Club Methven Racing Club North Canterbury and Oxford Jockey Club South Canterbury Jockey Club Waiau Racing Club Waimate Racing Club Greymouth Jockey Club 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 10 2 1 1 1 2 4 1 2 Motueka Racing Club Nelson Jockey Club 1 2 4 1 3 Reefton Jockey Club 2 3 Westland Racing Club 2 3 2 2 2 Westport Jockey Club Tuapeka County Jockey Club Cromwell Jockey Club Dunedin Jockey Club 1 1 1 4 Gore Racing Club Kurow Jockey Club Lumsden Hack Racing Club North Otago Jockey Club Otautau Racing Club Riverton Racing Club 2 1 1 2 1 2 9 4 1 1 4 1 Southland Racing Club Waikouaiti Racing Club Winton Jockey Club Wyndham Racing Club 2 1 1 2 3 4 1 2 2 Totals racing clubs 123 123 223 223

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Racing Clubs to which Licenses are to be granted, etc. — continued.

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First Column. Second Column. Third i Column. Fourth Column Name of Club. Number of Licenses. Number of . Lici Days to each snse. Aggregate Days. Hunt Clubs. Pakuranga Hunt Club Waikato Hunt Club Dannevirke Hunt Club Hawke's Bay Hunt Club Poverty Bay Hunt Club North Taranaki Hunt Club Egmont-Wanganui Hunt Club Manawatu Hunt Club Rangitikei Hunt Club Brackenfield Hunt Club Christchurch Hunt Club South Canterbury Hunt Club Waimate District Hunt Club Birch wood Hunt Club Otago Hunt Club License. Days. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Totals hunt clubs 15 15 15 15 Trotting Clubs, Auckland Trotting Club 9 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 Cambridge Trotting Club Hawke's Bay Trotting Club Manawatu Trotting Club Northland Trotting Club Poverty Bay Trotting Club Taranaki Trotting Club Te Aroha Trotting Club Waikato Trotting Club Waimate Plains Trotting Club Wairarapa Trotting Club Wanganui Trotting Club Wellington Trotting Club .. Ashburton Trotting Club Cheviot Trotting Club Clutha Trotting Club Forbury Park Trotting Club Gore Trotting Club Greymouth Trotting Club Inangahua Trotting Club Kaikoura Trotting Club Marlborough Trotting Club Methven Trotting Club Nelson Trotting Club New Brighton Trotting Club New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club I 2 2 2 I I 3 1 2 1 l 1 1 1 2 4 I 3 3 2ea. 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 ca. lea. 1 1 2ea, 1 2ea. 1 1 2 1 2 2ea. 3 ea. 2 1 2 1 9 2 1 2 1 8 4 2 I 1 • 6 1 4 1 1 2 1 2 4 Oamaru Trotting Club Otago Central Trotting Club Southland Trotting Club Timaru Trotting Club Westland Trotting Club Westport Trotting Club Winton Trotting Club 9 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 Totals trotting clubs 46 46 78 78 Grand totals 184 184 316 316

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SECOND SCHEDULE. Clubs whose Names appear in the First Schedule, but as to which it is recommended that the Licenses be withheld unless and until certain Requirements are wholly fulfilled.

Note. —By way of explanation : what, in our opinion, is a properly constructed racecourse and suitable appointments is a racecourse preferably a mile or more in circumference, but not less than seven furlongs (unless there are serious difficulties in procuring a course of such circumference in the district), one chain wide throughout, fully railed with regulation rail on the inside, properly graded, and made reasonably safe for horses and riders ; the appointments to include sanitary accommodation for both sexes both in the inside enclosure and the outside, adequate totalizator-house, jockeys' room with, lockers, and (or reasonably near) lavatory, weighing-room, and room for officials, ambulance room with equipment, and (if and when the funds of the club permit) a grandstand or shelter for the public. These appointments may be considered the minimum. These conditions apply to courses confined to trotting ; but in respect of such courses the circumference may be less than seven furlongs.

First Column. Second Column. Name of Club. Requirements. 1 Bay of Plenty Jockey Club That proper accommodation (sanitary in particular) be provided for both the general public and the jockeys. That a properly constructed, racecourse and. suitable appointments to the satisfaction of the Minister of Internal Affairs be provided. That a properly constructed racecourse and suitable appointments to tho satisfaction of the Minister of Internal Affairs be provided, which in this case should include the reploughing, draining, and grading of the present course. That a properly constructed racecourse and suitable appointments to the satisfaction of the Minister of Internal Affairs bo provided. That improvements to racecourse now being carried out are completed, and adequate sanitary accommodation provided both inside and outside. See paragraph No. 5. Adequate training-tracks to be provided. That a properly constructed racecourse and suitable appointments to the satisfaction of the Minister of Internal Affairs be provided. That a properly constructed racecourse and suitable appointments to tho satisfaction of tho Minister of Internal Affairs be provided. That a properly constructed racecourse and suitable appointments to the satisfaction of the Minister of Internal Affairs be provided. That racecourse and training-tracks be improved to Minister's satisfaction, and proper sanitary accommodation provided in outside enclosure for both, sexes. That racecourse be wholly fenced on the inside, and adequate totalizator accommodation provided. That a properly constructed racecourse and suitable appointments to the satisfaction of the Minister of Internal Affairs be provided. That a properly constructed racecourse and suitable appointments to the satisfaction of the Minister of Internal Affairs be provided. That a properly constructed racecourse and suitable appointments to the satisfaction of the Minister of Internal Affairs be provided. That this club provide itself with course safe and efficient for racing purposes, suitably appointed. Present course, even with alterations according to submitted plan, is unsafe —its circumference and width are both below standard, and turns far too sharp. Prompt action should be insisted upon ; in default, license should be permanently withheld. The agreement with the Otautau Racing Club is inconsistent with the principle upon which licenses to hunt clubs are granted, and should be cancelled. That appointments, which are at present in a deplorable condition, be replaced by adequate appointments giving reasonable accommodation for the public, jockeys, and horses. That a properly constructed racecourse and suitable appointments to the satisfaction of the Minister of Internal Affairs be provided. That a properly constructed racecourse and suitable appointments to the satisfaction of the Minister of Internal Affairs be provided. That a properly constructed racecourse and suitable appointments to the satisfaction of the Minister of Internal Affairs be provided. That a properly constructed racecourse and suitable appointments to the satisfaction of the Minister of Internal Affairs be provided. That a properly constructed racecourse and suitable appointments to the satisfaction of the Minister of Internal Affairs be provided. Fran klin Racing Club Kawakawa Racing Club Matamata Racing Club Rotorua Jockey Club Takapuna Jockey Club Waipapakauri Racing Club Tolaga Bay Jockey Club Waimarino Racing Club Masterton Racing Club Hororata Racing Club Mackenzie Racing Club Waiau Racing Club Motueka Racing Club Tuapeka County Jockey Club .. Birchwood Hunt Club Cromwell Jockey Club Lumsden Hack Racing Club .. Cambridge Trotting Club Clutha Trotting Club Otago Central Trotting Club Wairarapa Trotting Club

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THIRD SCHEDULE. Clubs as to which Recommendations are made as to Improvements.

First Column. Second Column. Name of Club. Recommendations. Northern Wairoa Racing Club . . Opotiki Jockey Club Te Aroha Jockey Club Thames Jockey Club Whangarei Racing Club Dannevirke Racing Club Poverty Bay Hunt Club Sanitary arrangements are very primitive, and require immediate attention. Course should be wholly railed onf the inside, and ? adequate sanitary accommodation provided. Adequate sanitary accommodation to be provided in accordance with assurance given. Course requires fencing on outside round river-bank, and sanitary accommodation near horse-stalls requires improving. Adequate sanitary accommodation to be provided for both sexes in the outside enclosure. Adequate accommodation to be provided for outside public. Kennels and appointments poor, and the Commission was not favourably impressed with the condition of the hounds. Assurances should be obtained that hounds, kennels, and general equipment will receive better attention. Adequate accommodation to be provided for outside public. Kennels and appointments need improving, and the pack increased. Assurances should be obtained on these matters. Adequate provision to bo provided for outside public. Kennels and appointments require considerable improvement, and the pack increased. Assurances should be obtained on these matters. Woodville District Jockey Club North Taranaki Hunt Club Opunake Racing Club.. Egmont-Waverley Hunt Club .. Foxton Racing Club Course requires to be partly fenced on the outside to prevent horses running off course into the trees. The railing on the inside of this course is too low in places, and should be raised where necessary. Course requires widening, particularly in the straight. The appointments generally are much below the standard of a fourday club. It should be insisted that the appointments be generally improved. Course requires banking at the turns, particularly at Cutts's corner and the turn into the straight. This matter requires immediate attention. Course rough and uneven ; requires immediate reploughing and regrading. Outside accommodation should be improved. Adequate provision to be provided for outside public, and conveniences for jockeys. The circumference of this course should be lengthened, and course widened as soon as funds permit. Appointments generally, and in particular sanitary accommodation (septic tank required) to be improved, course widened (to be widened going out of the straight and turning into the straight) and fenced on the outside at those points. Wanganui Jockey Club Ashburton County Racing Club Canterbury Jockey Club North Canterbury and Oxford Jockey Club Waimate Racing Club Reefton Jockey Club Waikouaiti Racing Club

H.—2B.

FOURTH SCHEDULE. Clubs which have hitherto held Totalizator Licenses, the Applications of which for Totalizator Licenses have been rejected.

12

Name of Club. Number of Days. Reason. Avondale Jockey Club 4 Auckland is well and amply served by the Auckland Racing and Takapuna Jockev Clubs. (Sec also paragraph 10, "Suburban Clubs.") " The Commission is unanimously of opinion that two racing clubs in Gisborne, in close proximity to each other, are unnecessary, and that the requirements of the district would be fully met by granting the Poverty Bay Turf Club lour permits, covering seven days racing. (Sec paragraph 10. " Suburban Clubs.") The Commission is unanimously of opinion that the district in the vicinity of Napier and Hustings would be fully catered for by granting to the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club four permits, covering eight days' racing. (See paragraph 10, " Suburban Clubs.") No appointments worthy ol' the name ; serves very small population. Unnecessary. Appointments in a, most unsatisfactory condition. The racing public of the district an- sufficiently and bettei served at Waipukurau, seven miles distant. Unnecessary owing to proximity to Palmerston North and Woodville. Gisborne Racing Club 4 Napier Park Racing Club 5 Porangah.au Racing Club 1 Waipawa, County Racing Club 1 Ashhurst-Pohangina Racing Club 1 Rangitikei Raoing Club 2 Unnecessary owing io proximity to Marton, which adequately serves district. Unnecessary ; district adequately served by Otaki, Foxton, and Manawatu Clubs. Unnecessary owing to proximity to Masterton and Wairarapa Racing Clubs. (See note against South Wairarapa Trotting Club.) Club has no hounds, and has decided, owing to close settlement of district, to wind up. Unnecessary ; district amply served by North Canterbury and Oxford Jockey Club at Rangiora. This club's racecourse is not suitable- for racing, and at its own request has been granted a license lor a, trotting meeting. Unnecessary; district well served by Greymouth and Hokitika Clubs. Horowhenua Racing Club 1 Taratahi-Carterton Racing Club 1 Woodlands Hunt Club 1 Amberley Racing Club 1 Cheviot Racing Club 1 Kuniara Racing Club 1 Clifden Racing Club .. 1 Unnecessary; serves small population, and district is sufficiently catered for by Otautau Club. Course and appointments very unsatisfactory; little interest shown and no progress ; requirements of district met by granting Lumsden Hack Racing Club a license. Appointments poor; no interest; district sufficiently served by Gore Club. Tenure of course unsatisfactory. District can be better served by Tuapeka County Jockey Club, whose course is freehold and management more satisfactory. These el u bs should amalgamate. Appointnients in very dilapidated and decaying state ; not sufficient interest, and no progress. Unnecessary; district sufficiently served by Otautau Racing, Birchwood Hunt, and Winton Jockey Clubs. Unnecessary; district sufficiently served by Auckland Trotting Club. This club has been in existence many years in a flourishingdistrict, but has made no headway, and has no course We consider if a new club were constituted, with course in a more central position, it would be beneficial to the district, and we recommend that a license for a twodays meeting be granted to a new club to be called the Wairarapa Trotting Club, to be formed to race on the Taratahi-Carterton course, or within five miles therefrom, to take the place of the Taratahi-Carterton Racing Club, South Wairarapa Trotting Club, and Masterton Trotting Club. Unnecessary ; district sufficiently served by New Zealand Metropolitan and New Brighton Trotting Clubs. < Lake County Jockey Club 2 Tapanui Racing Club I Beaumont Racing Club I Vincent Jockey Club 2 Wairio Jockey Club I Otahuhu Trotting Club A South Wairarapa Trotting Club 1 Canterbury Park Trotting Club 4 Total 41

H.—2B.

FIFTH SCHEDULE. New Clubs licensed.—List of Non-totalizator Clubs which the Commission recommends . shodld be granted Totalizator Licenses. Racing Clubs. DaySi Franklin Racing Club .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Matamata Racing Club .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Waipapakauri Racing Club .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Waimarino Racing Club .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Mackenzie Racing Club .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Waiau Racing Club .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Motueka Racing Club .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Lumsden Hack Racing Club .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Total racing clubs .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 Trotting Clubs. Cambridge Trotting Club .. .. .. .. .. .. I Hawke's Bay Trotting Club .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Northland Trotting Club .. .. .. .. .. .. I Taranaki Trotting Club .. .. .. .. .. .. .. I Te Aroha Trotting Club .. .. .. .. .. . , .. 1 Wairarapa Trotting Club .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Cheviot Trotting Club .. .. .. .. .. .. .. I. Mcthven Trotting Club .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Clutha Trotting Club .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Otago Central Trotting Club .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Southland Trotting Club.. .. .. .. .. .. ..2 Total trotting clubs .. '.. .. .. .. 14 Grand total , .. .. .. .. .. 24

SIXTH SCHEDULE. Particulars of all Applications made for Totalizator Licenses.

13

Present Number A ?! , Number of Days . p. Additional Days , J ofJJa y s - applied for. reoommeaded. First Part: Totalizator Clubs. Auckland Racing Club Avondale Jockey Cluy Bay of Plenty Jockey Club Hamilton Racing Club Kawakawa Racing Club Northern Wairoa Racing Club Ohinemuri Jockey Club Opotiki Ji ckey Club Pakuranga Hunt Club Rotorua Jockey Club Takapuna Jockey Club Taumarunui Racing Club . . Te Aroha Jockey Club Te Kuiti Racing Club Thames Jockey Club Waikato Hunt Club Waipa Racing Club Whangarei Racing Club Dannevirke Hunt Club Dannevirke Racing Club .. Gisborne Racing Club Hawke's Bay Hunt Club .. Hawke's Bay Jockey Club Napier Park Racing Club . . Porangahau Racing Club .. Poverty Bay Hunt Club Poverty Bay Turf Club Tolaga Bay Jockey Club .. Waipawa County Racing Club 11 4 1 2 1 .. .... 1 2 1 1 1 4 1 2 1 2 .'. .. '.'. 1 1 2 1 3 4 1 7 5 1 1 4 1 1 11 1 4 1 2 2 1 1 2 4 2 2 2 2 1 2 4 1 3 2 1 8 1 7 2

H.—2B.

Particulars of all Applications made for Totalizator Licenses— continued.

14

t. ± xt i. Number of Present Number Mditional D of applied for. Number of Day: recommended. First Part: Totalizator Clu !>s —continued. 2 2 4 4 1 2 4 5 Waipukurau Jockey Club Wairoa County Racing Club Woodville District Jockey Club Egmont Racing Club North Taranaki Hunt Club Opunake Racing Club Stratford Racing Club Taranaki Jockey Club Ashhurst-Pohingina Racing Club Egmont-Wanganui Hunt Club Feilding Jockey Club Foxton Racing Club Manawatu Hunt Club Manawatu Racing Club Marton Jockey Club Rangitikei Hunt Club Rangitikei Racing Club Wanganui Jockey Club Waverley-Waitotara Racing Club Horowhenua Racing Club Masterton Racing Club Otaki Maori Racing Club Pahiatua Ra.cing Club Taratahi-Carterton Racing Club Wairarapa Racing Club Wellington Racing Club Marlborough Racing Club Akaroa County Racing Club Amberley Racing Club Ashburton County Racing Club Braokenfield Hunt Club Christchurch Hunt Club Canterbury Jockey Club Cheviot Racing Club Geraldine Racing Club Hororata Racing Club Methven Racing Club North Canterbury and Oxford Jockey Club South Canterbury Hunt Club South Canterbury Jockey Club Waimate District Hunt Club Waimate Racing Club Greymouth Jockey Club .. .. Kumara Racing Club Nelson Jockey Club Reefton Jockey Club Westland Racing Club Westport Jockey Club Beaumont Racing Club Birchwood Hunt Club Clifden Racing Club Cromwell Jockey Club Dunedin Jockey Club Gore Racing Club.. Kurow Jockey Club Lake County Jockey Club North Otago Jockey Club Otago Hunt Club Otautau Racing Club Riverton Racing Club Southland Racing Club Tapanui Racing Club Tuapeka County Jockey Club Vincent Jockey Club Waikouaiti Racing Club 1 1 2 2 4 4 2 1 1 I 2 2 4 2 1 1 1 4 2 1 1 5 1 3 1 1 2 1 6 1 1 1 1 3 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 9 1 4 2 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 10 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 4 1 1 2 2 3 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 2 9 4 1 •• I 2 4 1 1 1 2 2 4 1 1 2 ii i I 4 2 1 5 4 1 *6 2 4 4 2 4 10 4 1 4 1 1 10 2 1 1 2 1 4 1 2 4 3 3 3 2 i 2 9 4 1 4 1 1 3 4 2 i

H.—2B.

Particulars of all Applications made for Totalizator Licenses— continued.

15

Present Number of Days. A^S mb Tr? Number of Days Additional Days vecommende l applied for. First Part: Totalizator CM is—continued Wairio Jockey Club Winton Jockey Club Wyndham Racing Club Auckland Trotting Club Otahuhu Trotting Club .. '.. Waikato Trotting Club Poverty Bay Trotting Club Manawatu Trotting Club Wanganui Trotting Club Waimate Plains Trotting Club South Wairarapa Trotting Club Wellington Trotting Club Marlborough Trotting Club Kaikoura Trotting Club N.Z. Metropolitan Trotting Club New Brighton Trotting Club Canterbury Park Trotting Club Ashburton Trotting Club Timaru Trotting Club Forbury Park Trotting Club Gore Trotting Club Oamaru Trotting Club Winton Trotting Club Greymouth Trotting Club Westland Trotting Club Inangahua Trotting Club Wcstport Trotting Club Nelson Trotting Club 1 2 1 7 4 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 9 4 4 2 1 6 1 1 1 4 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 9 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 3 1 2 1 5 4 1 2 1 9 4 2 2 1 2 6 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 Totals, totalizator clubs 288 292 Second, Part: Non-lotali: zator Clubs. Franklin Racing Club Houhora Racing Club Matamata Racing Club Morrinsville Racing Club Ngaruawahia Racing Club Paengaroa - Te Puke Racing Club Waipapakauri Racing Club Whakatane Racing Club Eltham Racing Club Patea Racing Club Waimarino Racing Club Kaikoura Racing Club Pelorus Hack Racing Club Wairau Valley Hack Racing Club Chatham Island Racing Club Hurunui Turf Club Mackenzie Racing Club Ohoka and Eyreton Jockey Club Waiau Racing Club Motueka Racing Club Takaka Racing Club Cattle Flat Hack Racing Club Lumsden Hack Racing Club Tokonui-Fortrose Racing Club Upper Clutha Racing Club Cambridge Trotting Club Hawke's Bay Trotting Club Hukanui Trotting Club Masterton Trotting Club Northland Trotting Club Taranaki Trotting Club Taumarunui Trotting Club Te Aroha Trotting Club 2 2 1 1 2 I 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 I

H.—2B

16

Particulars of all Applications made for Totalizator Licenses— continued.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (500 copies), £15.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l922.

Price ad.

Second Part: Non-totalizator Gl\ t6s—continued. To Awamutu Trotting Club Thames Trotting Club Clutha Trotting Club Ellesmere Trotting Club Granity Trotting Club Methven Trotting Club Otago Central Trotting Club Otautau Trotting Club Southland Trotting Club Waimate Trotting Club Cheviot Trotting Club Wairarapa Trotting Club 1 1 1 1 1 1 .. 2 2 1 1 2 Totals, non-totalizator clubs 53 24 Grand totals 288 143 316 Note.—The Whakatane Racing Club and the Peloru their applications. The Takapuna Jockey Club also wit \ Hack Racing idrew its appli Club subseque :atiou for additi sntly withdrew lonal days.