Racing Reduced by Forty-three Days.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 26, 28 June 1911, Page 12

Racing Reduced by Forty-three Days.

AND TROTTING BY ELEVEN DAYS. The following report from the Racing Commission has been presented to his Excellency the Governor: — “May it please your Excellency.—Wa respectfully submit to your Excellency the report of the Commission appointed under section 6 of the Gaming Amendment Act, 1910, with its schedules, adjusted to meet objections raised by the law officers of the Crown to the report as originally presented. We do not, however, concur in the validity of such objections, but it is unnecessary to discuss this point, as the decisions of your Commission on the matters submitted to it are not affected thereby. In amending the report for the purpose of avoiding the inconvenience of further delay, we have altered the “conditions” imposed upon some clubs to simple “recommendations.” We lay stress upon the fact that most of these conditions or recommendations are intended to secure the safety and comfort of the spectators, or of the riders, and the observance of the decencies of life in the management of a sport conducted under the license of the State for the curtailment of recreation of the public. The conditions or recommendations are the outcome of an exhaustive inspection of the racecourses of the Dominion, aud we strongly and unanimously urge their enforcement in all important points within a reasonable period. We make one additional recommendation: That where a club desires to alter the number of its totalisator licenses for the utilisation of the allotted days of racing or trotting, it should, as a rule, be permitted to do so. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seal this nineteenth day of June, 1911.— (Signed) George Clifford

Albert E. Cohen, John McVay, R. H. Nolan, J. Rowe.” •’We have the honour to report that after eareful consideration and a personal inspection of nearly all the racecourses, we have, in accordance with the terms of our Commission, allocated the statutory number of days on which the totalisator may be used. For this purpose we have been obliged to reduce the days of racing by 43 and the days of trotting by 11, being the proportionate reduction required by the Gaming Act from the number allotted in 1910-11 for meetings at which the totalisator was usel.”

We would premise that wc have fulfilled the duty imposed upon us with regret, as we are unanimous in the opinion that some measure of redistribution would have been preferable, and that with the exceptions which eould have been thus remedied, and considering the consequential diminution of registered clubs caused by the restrictions imposed by the Gaming Act, the days of racing are not excessive to supply the requirements of so scattered a population. We have recognised as a principle that the larger cities cater not only for the recreation of their own residents, but that' their greater resources enable them to provide' efficiently for a periodic influx from neighbouring districts. We have also regarded the less accessible communities as entitled to special consideration wherever they have shown any active desire for racing by- the provision of needful equipments. We have throughout borne in mind that any approach to the proprietary principle in the ownership of racecourses, and any personal interests in the profits derived therefrom, are strongly to be deprecated. It is obvious that where courses are held on a leasehold tenure from companies or individuals there is danger, if not certainty, that sooner or later a more or less disguised form of profit-sharing must ensue. We therefore recommend that in all sueh cases there shall be required the acquisition of the freehold or of a right to race in perpetuity at a fixed rental.

In order to guard against any possible accrual of personal profit, we consider that in the event of the dissolution after the 31st‘ day of December, 1911, of any racing or trotting club, or of the cessation of any such club to carry on the business of racing or trotting, the surplus, if any, of assets over liabilities shall be devoted to the funds of the nearest hospital or hospitals. In cases where neighbouring clubs amalgamate, any such surplus or surpluses may be considered as part of the assets of the club formed by such amalgamation . As a general rule, we consider that no license should be issued to any racing club unprovided with a racecourse of about one mile in circumference, fenced on the inside of the racing track with a fence of an approved pattern, or to any trotting club unprovided with a trotting track similarly fenced. There are certain cases, as in the Westland district, where courses free from the danger of sharp turns are not procurable, but we would desire to place on record our conviction that no new license should be granted except upon the conditions aforesaid.

In every case in which the provision for the fit carrying on of the sport or for the safety of riders or of the public is deficient, or in which the sanitary arrangements are unsatisfactory, we have called attention to the deficiencies, and we suggest that if within one or two years, according to the magnitude of the needed alterations, such deficiencies are not completely remedied, the license should be permanently withdrawn from the negligent club. As a further record we have added schedules calling attention to the needs and imperfections which we consider are capable of being supplied or amended before. racing or trotting can be satisfactorily conducted on the courses therein named.

We desire to point out that the peculiar concentration of trotting has been caused by the exceptional growth of the sport in a few centres, and this unequalled distribution cannot be immediately remedied. In view of the lessened number of race meetings we would suggest that increased attention should be paid by the Railway Department for supplying facilities to the fmblic —especially within a radius of, say, twenty miles- —for attending races. At such centres as Dunedin and Wellington the train journey of twelve and seventeen miles respectively to new courses has not decreased attendance, and with an attractive train service any focal hardship caused by the suppression of meetings would be partly rectified, ■While the department would benefit by

the traffic and the public by the probable improvement in the sport. GEORGE CUFFORD, Chairman. ROBERT H. NOLAN. JOHN McVAY. JOHN ROWE. ALBERT E. COHEN. May 22 1911.

DUNEDIN COMMISSIONER INTERVIEWED. DUNEDIN, this day. Tlie following explanatory information is supplied to a "Star” reporter by Mr. A. E. Cohen, a member of the Commission :— Racing in the metropolitan area has been curtailed by 14 days. Auckland loses six days of its previous 25 —viz., Auckland R.C. two, Takapuna J.C. three, and Avondale J.C. one. Hawke’s Bay loses two days of its previous 14—viz., Hawke’s Bay J.C. one, Napier Park R.C. one. Wellington loses one day of its previous 10 —viz., Wellington R.C. one. Christchurch loses three days of its previaus 14—viz., Christchurch R.C. three. Dunedin loses two days of its previous 11—viz., Taieri A.T.C. two. Christchurch alone, it should be noted, loses three days’ galloping and six days’ trotting—a reduction of nine days; while Auckland loses six days’ galloping and two days’ trotting —a reduction of eight days. The Auckland R.C. and Canterbury J.C. will now each have 11 days’ racing, and Wellington R.C. and Dunedin J.C. nine days each. This distribution is far more equitable than that hitherto in force—viz., 13 days at Ellerslie, 11 at Riccarton, 10 at Trentham, and nine at Wingatui. It is assumed that the Auckland R.C. will surrender Easter Saturday, thus coming into line with Canterbury J.C. in regard to the dates for the autumn meeting, and that the Wellington R.C. will be content with a two-days’ steeplechase fixture. Of the clubs which have been abolished, some of the courses, notably that at Westport, were held on most unsatisfactory tenures; in others, the neglect of the powers that be in regard' to “improvements” was almost criminal, and a number were ruled out ow*ing to contiguity to other courses. In this connection large maps were prepared, with the courses of the Dominion indicated, and in one or two districts such a network was found to have grown up as to render the application of the pruningknife absolutely imperative. To have dealt with these strictly in conformity with clause 6 of last session’s Gaming Act (consideration shall be given to the claims of clubs which use the totalisator at one meeting only in any year) would not have minimised gambling in the direction indicated by either the Legislature or the country. One club practically declined to officially recognise the Commission by ignoring a request twice preferred as to certain information, required. The need for totalisator clubs in the King Country and in the Bay of Plenty was recognised, and one day lias been allocated to the Te Kuiti R.C. at Te Kuiti, and one to the Bay of Plenty J.C. at Tauranga. Amalgamation or absorption has been steadily kept in view in coming to a decision in regard to the reduction of racing days. Should the suggestion that stewards of certain clubs that will cease to exist join forces with the surviving club or clubs the result will be the formation of a really strong district club and the improvement of the sport. One instance in each island will illustrate this. If the two existing clubs in Rangitikei again consolidate, s. club that will do. credit to the district will be the outcome. That there is no call for three clubs in North Canterbury must be equally patent to the racecourse habitue. Amberley was decided on owing to its remoteness. Should the North Canterbury and Ohoka. and Eyreton stewards throw in their lot with the surviving institution, and agree to serve as committeemen and stewards, a solid club, with permanent buildings, should be formed. As to trotting, it was really conceded that a considerable reduction must be made in and around Christchurch, it, being the early home of this branch of sport in New Zealand, having been granted most of the days allowed. Auckland has now taken up trotting in real earnest, and has just completed the purchase of courses at Alexandra Park and at Papakura at considerable cost. The only new application granted is to the Oamaru Trotting Club, .st Oamaru, which club has been strongly supported in the past by the Trotting Conference. At present there is no totalisator trotting meeting between Ashburton and Forbury Park.

IN A NUTSHELL. It will facilitate explanation of the position of matters, cor tinned Mr. Cohen, if 1 state the number of days’ racing at present, and the reductions" involved, as the result of the Commission’s labours. Tabulated, the position is:— NORTH ISLAND. AUCKLAND. RACING.

The days of racing reduced' as required by the Act, and the remarks of the Commissioners are as follows: —Auckland R.C., two days; Avondale J.C.. one day; Rotorua J.C., one day; Takapuna J.C., three days; Thames J.C., one day; Waihi J.C., one day (ill-appointed and served by Ohinenuui, with which club it should coalesce to race at Paeroa) ; Dannevirke J.C., one day; Hawke’s Bay J.C., ono day; Napier Park R.C., one day; Tolago Bay J.C., one day; Waipawa R.C., one day (ill-appointed; should coalesce with the neighbouring club at Waipukurau, and race there) ; Patea R.C., one day (ill-appointed, and only ten miles from Waverley, with which club it should coalesce to race at Waverley) ; Waitara R.C., one day (ill-appointed, and well served by Taranaki); Asliurst-Poha-ngina R.C., one day (unnecessary; midway between Woodville and Palmerston) ; Rangitikei R.C., four days (this club has sufficient appointments, but should unite with Marton to hold two two-day meetings); Horowheuua R.C., two days (easily accessible on either side to Otaki, Foxton, and Manawatu); Lower Valley J.C., two days (ill-ap-pointed, and well supplied at Tauherenikau) ; Masterton R.C., one day; Pahiatua R.C., two days (easily accessible! to Woodville, with which it should coalesce) ; Taratahi-Carterton R.C., one day; Wellington R.C., one day; Christchurch R.C., three days (contiguity, two miles from Riccarton course) ; Kaikoura R.C., one day (no interest shown, and no replies to repeated requests for information) ; North Canterbury J.C. and Ohoka-Eyreton J.C’, one day each (very ill-appointed; these clubs, with Amberley Steeplechase Club, should form one strong North Canterbury club) ■ Kumaru R.C., one day; Reef ton J.C.. one day; Westland R.C., one day; Westport J.C., two days (hopelessly ill-appointed and obviously no interest shown in the sport; tenure very unsatisfactory) ; Alexandra. R.C., one day (poorly appointed); Maniototo J.C., two days (this course was in utter disrepair, and for practical purposes is sufficiently served by Vincent J.C.) ; Taieri Amateur Turf Club, two days (contiguity being 11 miles from Wingatui (tenure very unsatisfactory); Tuapeka County J.C., one day. Total, 47 days, less four days added, making a total reduction of 43 days. The totalisator licenses and days of trotting reduced as required by the Act: Auckland, ono day; Otahuhu, one day; Hutt Valley, one day; Greymonth, one day; Tnangahua, one day: N.Z. Metropolitan, two days; Canterbury Park, two days; New Brighton, two days; Ashburton, ono day. Total. 12 .lavs, less one day added for Oamaru T.C. Total 11 days. COMPARISON ON POPULATION B ASTS. The appended tabulated information is interesting as showing the proportion of day’s racing to the population in the various racing districts into which the Dominion is divided: — NORTH ISLAND. Population.

• Hitherto. Now. Reduction. Auckland ... 13 1 1 n Avondale .... 5 4 1 Takapuna ... 7 4 3 Thames •J 2 Ohlnemuri .. 2 2 South Auckland 2 *> — Wai hi 1 __ 1 Rotorua 1 1 Whaugarei .. •> — Te Aroha ... — tTe Kuiti ... . — 1 — fBay of Plenty — 1 — ■ ■ Totals .. no 32 u tExtra permits. TROTTING. Auckland ... 8 7 1 Otahuhu . . .. . 5 4 1 . ■ ■ . Total ... 13 11 2 ■ HAWKE’S BAY. RACING. Hitherto. Now. Reduction. Hawke’s Bay 8 v 1 Napier Paik 6 5 1 Dannevirke . 4 3 1 Woodville ... 4 4 — Gisborne • • • • 4 4 — Poverty Bay. 4 4 Wairoa County 2 2 — Waipukurau . 1 1 — Waipawa ... 1 — 1 Tologa Bay . 1 1 Poraugahau . 1 1 — • . Totals .. ,. 37 32 5 TARANAKI. RACING. Hitherto. Now. Reduction. Egmont 4 4 — Taranaki .... 4 4 — Stratford .... 2 2 —— Opunake .... 1 1 — Pa tea 1 — 1 1 — 1 Totals .. 13 11 2 WANGANUI. RACING. Hitherto. Now. Reduction. Wanganui ... 6 6 — Manawatu . . 5 □ — Feildlng 4 4 Rangitikei .. 4 — 4 Marton 2 4 —— Foxton o 2 — Ashhuist .... 1 — 1 Waveiley ... 1 1 —• — — — ■ Totals .. . 25 22 5 TROTTING. Wanganui ... 2 - WELLINGTONRACING. Hitherto. Now. Reduction. Otakl 4 4 Wairarapa .. 4 4 — Masterton 4 3 1 Horowhenua o — 2 Lower Valley — Pahlatua ... - 2 — *y Taratahi-Car’ton 2 1 1 Wellington .. 10 9 1 ■ ■ — ... . Totals .. 30 21 9 TROTTING. TTntt 1 1 South Wairarapa 1 1 ■ - ..— — » Totals .. 3 2 1 SOUTH ISLAND. CANTERBURY. RACING. Hitherto. Now. Reduction. Canterbury . 11 11 — South Canterbury 4 4 —— Marlborough . 4 4 —— Ashburton . .. 4 4 —— Chiistchurch 3 — 3 Geraldine ... Q — AVai mate ... 1 1 —— 1 1 — ■ » Hororata ... 1 1 — Okoha-Eyreton 1 1 —• N. Canterbury 1 —— 1 Amberley ... 1 1 ——* ... 1 0 ■ — Totals .. 35 29 6 TROTTING. N.Z. Metropolitan 11 0 2 Canterbury Park 6 4 New Brighton 6 4 Ashburton .. 3 2 Totals .. 26 19 7 GREYMOUTH. RACING. Hitherto. Now. Reduction. •Greymouth . 4 4 —— 2 Westland ... . 4 3 1 ILepf ton .... 4 3 1 Kumara .... 1 1 •Westport ... . 2 2 Totals ... IS 13 &

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Ra ci ng. Trotting. (Ap.) Auckland .... 32 11 253,000 Hawke’s Bay 32 08,000 Taranaki .... i T — 53,»»OO Wanganui .... O‘» 2 55,000 Wellington .. 21 3 135,000 SOUTH ISLAND. Canterbury .. * *9 10 197.000 Otago . 30 8 199.000 Greymoutli •• 13 0 55,000