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LEGISLATORS GIVE VIEWS ON RACING. Correspondent of Montreal Paper Quotes Them on Proposed Race Track Tax. The Quebec correspondent of the Montreal Herald writes to that paper as follows: "The proposal that at the present session of the Legislative Assembly, the government will introduce u tax upon race tracks in the province meets with general approval around Parliament. It is a subject of much comment, but almost to a man the n.embers favor the principle of taxing horse racing. "As announced exclusively in the. Herald, it is semi-officially reported that it is the intention of the government this week to propose in the amendments to this license law that bookies he prohibited at the race tracks and substituted by the pari-mutuel system, and that a tax of about 4 per cent be placed upon all bets. "Here are a few of the opinions expressed by members of the legislature this morning: "Mr. A. David, member for Terrebonn I am certainly in favor of taxing horse racing. If there is a time when luxuries should be taxed, it is now, and I consider that horse racing is more than a luxury. I have even known some people who spend much money at race tracks complain of the hard times and the high cost of living, and yet they have money enough to spare for the tracks. "Mr. P. Berkovitch, member for Montreal-St. Tjuis If we are to have race tracks in the province of Quebec, by all means let us have the pari-iiuttuels. When there is so much betting going on, it is or.lv fair that the government, which is looking for revenue for public improvements, should receive a share of the profits. "Mr. John Kay, member for Argenteuil I strongly favor the principle of taxing race tracks, which I think should have been taxed long ago. In war times I consider the proposal especially appropriate. "Dr. Finnic, member of Mcntreal-St. Lawrence While I am in favor of good sport. I think the government is properly following the practice already in force in other narts of the country. I sympathize with the governments position in looking for rev-iiue, but I would not like to sec heavy burdens put upon the breeders of thoroughbred horses. "Mr. Andrew Philips, member for Huntingdon There are many people in my country who even favor the abolition of race tracks altogether, but, while horse racing is allowed, the people who follow the sport should pay for it. "Mr. W. F. Valas, member for Drome A e are living under war time conditions these days, and many people are making sacrifices. It is only fit that race -tracks should contribute towards the upkeep of the administration of the country. While horse racing may be legitimate, it seems to me that it is particularly appropriate for a tax at this tune when large grants are being made to the patriotic fund and for other patriotic purposes. No real sportsman will object to bear his share of the expense."
