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REDUCTION OF NEW ZEALAND RACING. New Zealand does not have 300 days of racing a year as it is, but during the coming season it may have vveu less. Ibis is u result of agitation by some of the religions lx.dies. The Auckland Presbytery. stirred by the large Totalizator turnover at the Auckland Racing Clubs summer meeting, recently asked the Government to suspend all TotaUsator permits during the war. As bookmakers are barred in New Zealand, this was tantamount to requesting the suppression of racing. Without mane medfmn of speculation interest in racing would quickly languish in New Zealand, and hardship would result for many people directly and indirectly interested in the business — for that is what it really is. In addition, the Government wesdd lose ■ big revenns from the Totalizator, and therefore it is questionable whether the desired move would be advisable. However, without going as far as the Auckland Presbytery desires, there may possibly bs a reduction of dates during the coming season. Last week the N. Z. Acting-Irime Minister Sir .laiaes Allenl notified the petitioners that the request had been discussed by the Cabinet, and it had been decided to" defer the matter for three months, when it would be necessary to consider the issue of permits for the next racing season. It was added that the Government would then give the matter serious consideration, and I suppose the progress the Allies have made by that time will have inark",l bearing on any decision arrived at. If. in the interests of recruiting, reduction of racing is considered necessary in New Zealand, how much more so must be the case in New South Wales, with nearly three days to every one held in the Dominion : — ■ "Pilot" ill Sydney Referee.
