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HEAVY WAR TAX PROBABLE. Daily License Fee Plan of Quebec Government Fewer Montreal Tracks a Likely Result. Ottawa, Que., December 19. A lot of guesses have recently been made by those on the outside, concerning the probable action of the Quebec Provincial government in connection with the taxing of race tracks within their jurisdiction, and last week an announcement was made at Montreal to the effect that the provincial treasurer would demand a tax of 4 per cent, on all the revenue. Already various Montreal racing men have expressed their disapproval. There is, in fact, a move to organize a deputation to interview the Quebec government, with a view to having them reduce the percentage. However, The Citizen is in a position to state that the Quebec government will not tax the race tracks on the percentage basis. It will not collect either 4 or 2 per cent., as has been intimated. Promoters, who have been handing out interviews, and incidentally slipping gratuitously heaps of advice to the provincial treasurer and his colleagues on the subject, are wasting their energy. The 4 per cent, taxation story lacked foundation. The Quebec government will follow the example of Ontario, and place a daily license on the numerous organizations now operating in its territorv. Just how heavy this daily tax will be has yet "to be determined. Some announcement as regards this mny be expected within the next fortnight. It may or may not be in excess of what would have been turned into the treasury had the four per cent suggestion been carried out. Incidentally, it is learned that the tax will be a heavy one; in fact, it will force to the wall all the half-mile "bull rings" which have been operating in and around Montreal. They would never be able to continue and pay as much as the Quebec government will request. Its an ill wind that blows nobody good. A meeting of the Connaught Park Jockey Club took place last Friday. The situation was then reviewed; none of the directors cared to discuss matters, but it is understood that Hon. Senator N. A. Belcourt may go to Quebec this week on business, ostensibly concerning the proposed war tax. And when the legislation does come into effect the number of tracks operating in the province may be reduced to four. Ottawa Citizen.
