NEW GAMING LAW.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3167, 13 March 1911, Page 4

NEW GAMING LAW.

ISSUE OF THE POLO CUP PERMIT. A SINGULAR POSITION. A rather singular position arose on Saturday in connection with the race for the Polo Cup, and in consequence the race, instead of being decided at noon on the Park Racecourse, was not run till five hours later. The trouble was caused through the club failing to get a permit from the Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. D. Bucldo) for tha race to be held, as is required by the Race Meetings Act, 19U9 ■Shortly before noon about thirty people assembled on the course to witness the event, for which a dozen ponies were entered. In the meantime Sergeant Hogan had had his attention drawn to the matter, and he despatched Constable Dandy to advise the club authorities that it was necessary to procure a permit to hold the race. The constable arrived just before noon, and as permission to hold the race liad not been procured, he formally warned those.present that the race could not be held except they had the sanction of the Minister of Internal Affairs. It was then decided to postpone the event till 2 p.m., the hour at which the Polo sports were to he held at the polo ground. The secretary (Mr. R. G. Black) communicated with the Hon. D. Buddo, and also the Hon. Jas. Carroll, cn the matter, and shortly after 2 o’clock word was received that permission to hold the race had been granted, and the race was held at 5 p.m., Fashion Plate being successful in winning the event. If the event had been held without the permit haying been obtained, it would have been a very serious matter for those whose interest in po’o had induced -them to go on to the course. The Act provides tliat every person commits an offence punishable on summary conviction by a fine of £SO or by imprisonment for three months—(a) Who procures. permits, authorises, or conducts any illegal racing; (b) uho (net being a constable acting in the course of his duty) is present on any racecourse or other place for the purpose of taking part, whether as a spectator or in ony other manner whatsoever, in any illegal racing there taking place- or about to take place; or (e) who instigates, incites. -aids, abets, or attempts to commit any offence against this section. This section shal lextend and apply to any case in which the offender is a body corporate, and in any such case the offence shall be. punishable on summary conviction by a fine of £2OO. A constable may, without warrant, arrest any person found by him committing any offence against this section. The Act further provides that no horse-rocing shall take place except under the authority and control of a racing club holding a license under this Act Any racing club may make application to the Minister of Internal Affairs for a license under this Act to conduct horse races, and the Minister may, in his discretion, grant or refuse any such license. “Racing Cub” means any club, association, or other body of persons (whether incorporated or unincorporated) established for the purpose of promoting, conducting, or controlling the sport of horse-racing, and includes a hunt or polo club. “Horserace” includes a “trotting race.” Mr R. G. Black, the secretary, when seen by a reporter, said that the programme liad been pass'd by the X.Z. Polo Association, and further that-JSir Geo. Clifford, the President of the X.Z. Racing Conference had approved of it, and the officials of the club did not think that a permit was therefore necessary. In fact, sporting men in Gisborne'had given them to understand that the Minister's assent was not- required. At- the last minute the police* notified them that they required a .permit . and a wire was sent to the Minister who replied that he could not- grant the- permit, as he had not had time to consider the matter. Later in the day, however, the necessary permission was granted, and the affair had a satisfactory termination.