The Corner with Garry Chittick
Many years ago, obviously before my brain had developed as far as it was allowed to go, I was an active member of Young Nationals. It was a social activity for a start, until I was pressured into putting my name forward for selection as the candidate for the seat of Wairarapa. My father’s sound advice was: ‘don’t waste my time, don’t waste my life’, and I was no hope anyway.
He was, of course, right on all counts. I will say, the humbling defeat was a good experience. There were twelve candidates, six complete nutters, the favourite – and fortunately for me, the winner – was the well-known Māori All Black, Ben Couch. His motto was an inspired choice: “YOU CAN REST ON COUCH”.
Still, how lucky I was – imagine the role of Prime Minister, particularly as part of a Coalition. The remarkable thing about governance is the role of reallocating the results of somebody’s efforts. Of course, if you are of the left, this is a role that is immensely enjoyable, you know, what percentage will we grab, then again, if elected to represent those whose efforts we should be proud of, we will extract only marginally less with the message it will get better, but of course it won’t.
The recent worldwide message of wellbeing, wokedom, has created such a number of self-opinionated, self-important, non-spirited individuals who have little understanding that the success of others is not measured in dollars and cents, it is the results of their endeavours that encourages them to get going in the morning.
‘The Corner’ is my commentary on racing. Is it important, racing that is, is it relevant, not to a lot of people. Why do we participate? Because apart from our genuine love of the horse, what else can you do where your success is measured so clearly by success. What else can we do where our success, or not, is there for all to see and share.
So, I don’t believe I am owed a living, but I am concerned about sharing unreasonable amounts with the non-risk takers. You two will read this and think the arrogant – done pretty well. That may be so, but I want you to have a go, so I am simply trying to make sure you have a chance.
Normally, my Corner attracts a response from only you, last week’s must have touched a nerve. I have been busy responding, thanks to the other who have appeared out of the woodwork.
Apart from my drawing your attention to the possible use of OUR capital, the little things add up.
You may or may not be surprised that our Racing Integrity unit is costing a mere $13 million, or $5700 a race. NZ Thoroughbred Racing now $14 million, a combined total of $11000 a race, there were 4300 starters last year at a mere $6279 per horse. Now, I haven’t added the cost of yet another Board the TAB, you can dig that up. Remind yourself the Integrity and our Board, a nine raceday card roughly $100,000.
So, even if the risks we take occasionally reward us, if we continue to squeeze the lemon, our Gin and Tonics will run out of juice.
Cheers,
G
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