Doubts about extra racing licences

Sporting people throughout the dominion will be greatly interested in the recommendations of the Racing Commission, of whose report the principal features are published by us this morning. The commission proposes an increase of 27 in the number of days on which the totalisator may be used during the racing season.

Racing clubs will get an increase of nine days; hunt clubs will be reduced by one; and trotting clubs will be increased by 19.

The recognition which the

Commission has given to the extension of public interest in trotting is one of the salient points of its report. Trotting has become highly popular, and as the class of the sport continues to improve, it is becoming increasingly popular.

The existence of a formidable sentiment or predilection in favour of sport must be accepted as a prominent fact. It constitutes a reflection of a trait in the national character. To it due weight must be given in the formation of any judgement upon the recommendations of the Racing Commission. The judgement should, however, not ignore the general conditions, and particularly the economic and social conditions, of the country.

It is to disregard the vital requirements of the dominion to propose that no fewer than 27 additional days shall, in existing circumstances, be devoted to racing. A scrutiny of the elements that constitute a racegoing crowd is

sufficient to show that the loss of industrial energy and industrial efficiency must be very considerable.

When it is plain to all thoughtful persons that it is incumbent upon the public to bend its whole effort to the development of industry and to the encouragement of production, it would be an act of flagrant unwisdom to extend the number of days upon which racing may be licensed.