view raw text
COMMISSION FOR ONTARIO BILL INTRODUCED IN LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE FOR GOVERNMENT OF RACING. Follows Kentucky Plan in a General Way. but May Not Become Law. Government Having Given No Indication ol Its Attitude on Measure. Toronto, tint.. March 29. A bill to establish a raclag commission lor Ontario has been introdn 1 in He- Legislature hv A. c. Pratt, member for South Norfolk, but a resident of Toronto. The hill seeks to place iiu- control of running meetings iii he hands of a commission of live persons, who would make Ibe regulations and condition- and issue tin- necessary licenses. Thn-o of them must lie breeders of thoroughbred stock ami no two of them members of He- same racing association. The measure is a private one. mi which the aoiHBam nl has given no indication of Its feeling, though Mr. Pratt is a government supporter. The hill baa not attracted any general attention and may never reach the third reading Stage. Mr. Pratt, the father of the bill, is keenly inter rated and well posted in racing. The appointment of the commission is placed in the hands of the Lieutenant -Coveruor in Council, ami the term of Oakce is four years. The commission will appoint its own secretary at a salary ol" not more than si.ini a year, which amount will be aseeaeed ou the racing aaaocfatloaa. Tin- powers of the commission are "lo prescribe Ibe rules, regulations and conditions under which running races shall he conducted in Ibis province, and no suci nice- shall be conducted i xcopt by a corporation or association duly licensed by said commissi., n It is specifically provided that the bill does not apply to trolling, mar to races conducted bj a far association holding not more than one meeting annu ally, ami for a period not exceeding six days fur -ueh iin-vting. Co— ip about the House is to the effect thai if tie- commission ever becomes a reality, it will not i— in- licenses to tracks where bookmaklng i- tan led ■ ii. hut will follow Kentuckys example and permit .-lily the pari-niutuels. though Ixith systems are legal here. II could not prohibit betting, as thai i« a matter for Dominion legislation, while Ibis is a provincial measure.