75

3 —H 23

inequity in the latter connection has arisen from the fact that some clubs have brought their leger and main stands within the confines of one enclosure, but still maintain their charges for admission to the combined premises at the level previously charged for entry to the grandstand enclosure alone, with all its superior advantages and amenities. 186. This proposal does not in any way detract from any authority now exercisable by either Conference. All it does is to make provision for control in respect of matters concerning which neither Conference, under its present constitution, is in any way concerned. SECTION S.—THE RACING ADVISORY BOARD 187. Outside the control exercised by the two Conferences over that extremely important but nevertheless limited range of affairs to which their functions extend, the only source of control over racing in either of its forms is the authority vested in the Minister of Internal Affairs at his discretion to grant, refuse, or determine licences to use the totalizator. It thus results that each club has almost entire and independent control of its own administrative policy, and almost unlimited control of its own financial policy. How much it spends of its available funds, upon what it spends them, and when, are, within very wide limits, the sole concern of the club itself. 188-. No criticism could be directed to such a condition of affairs if all clubs at all times recognized their essential character as trustees for the public, and gave full effect to their obligations in that respect. Some will doubtless do so, but what is needed is some assurance that all will. Several of the plans for future development put before us by individual clubs during the course of our sittings indicated that a number of even the major clubs have no real appreciation of the conception of trusteeship. In many of those plans members were singled out for excessively preferential treatment. For the attitude of mind which prompts such proposals there is some historical justification. Originally racing and public participation in it were made possible by the financial support and sustained interest of individuals. The organization which evolved from their activities took the form in New Zealand of clubs consisting of elected members. 189. Whatever may have been the position in the past, such members in this country are now subject to but slight obligations, and are substantially free of financial responsibility. They fulfill an important function in that they constitute a selected body of persons interested in racing from and by whom those responsible for its administration are chosen. Whilst, therefore, they may be entitled to some preference, their right to it is much less than were the rights of those who, at personal cost and by personal effort, maintained the sport. Nor can their rights