JOCKEYS' LICENSES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 245, 10 July 1919, Page 8

JOCKEYS' LICENSES

HONESTY AND THE TURF "THINGS NOT WHAT THEY SHOULD BE" ' Tho question of licenses again came up for consideration at yesterday's sitting of tho New Zealand' Racing Conference. The mailer was introduced by tho president, Si'.' George Clifford, who moved:— "Licenses shall be granted by a licensing cominitteo of the conference, to be called the licensing committee, consisting of the president and six persons to bo elected at each annual conference, and shall bo issued by tho secretary of tho conference." Sir George Clifford said the motion was by far the most important proposition submitted to the conference. Lver sinco he had been racing there had been a certain laxity in regard to licenses. At the present time many licenses were held by trainers and jockeys who were not really following their profession. "This is a critical moment in the history of tho turf," ho continued, "and there are rumours abroad which can only do harm to the sport which wo are here to protect. It is essential that theso rumours and suspicions which arise should be dissipated by the exercise of greater cai'o in tho issue of jockeys' .licenses.' The interests of tho turf depended on tho probitv and honesty of tho professional members of what might be called tho racing staff. Thero were many men who were hesitating whether they would continuo racing because they were satisfied that there was something going on which was beyond their control, and which was inimical to their interests. "This is the ono thing necessary to purge us from suspicion," Sir Georgo Clifford went on. "If wo havo not the fullhearted confidence of tho public wo will naturally fall a prey to the many enemies who will uso every weapon for assailing us." On every racecourse and in every paper which commented on racing there wore perpetual hints that things were not what they ought to be. He was sure that all members of tho conference were deJirous that the sport should bo elevated, and not degraded. The sport should bo made perfectly pure, but it would never bo made pure if tho present system continued, and there was a danger of driving froin the turf those people whom it was most desirable to keep. "I implore you, in the interests of tho turf generally, to pass this motion," remarked Sir Georgo Clifford. "I know that tho majority of tho trainers are. anxious that it should be adopted. Tho bulk of tho honest men whoso professions lie on the racecourse aro agreed that this reform should bo carried into effect. I hope that this conference will rise superior to all jealousies and petty local feoling, and see that licenses aro granted,absolutely impartially, and without any fear of thoso local influences which have in tho past been prejudicial to the interests of tho turf. At one time I did not believe the rumours I heard, but 1 say now that I do bolievo the rumours that are passing, and I do think it is our bounden duty once for all to put an end to them, and see that the turf is conducted in such a way that an honest man may pursue The Hon. 0. Samuei (Taranaki Jockey Club) said he cordially agreed with tho motion. • Still, lie was of opinion that delegates woula have to vote against it, as it was a fact that many of them wero tied down on account of local influences. . Air. E. A. Campbell (Wanganui Jockey Club) said that ho felt strongly that something should to done to attain tho end desired. Mr. W. T. Hazlett ®unedin District Clubs) thought that district committees were ciuito as capable of issuing licenses lis any committee which tho conference might set up. Ho strongly opposed the motion. In his district great caro was taken in tho issue of licenses. Mr. J. H. Perrett- (Wanganui District Clubs) supported tho motion. Thero were things going on on tho turf which were tending to drivo honest men out of racing. "Wo sometimes go home at night thinking wo have seen a good race, and a few days afterwards we find that we witnessed no *ace at all," he said. "Such things are absolutely discreditable to tho sport. There is only ono way of overcoming tho trouble, and ,that is by purging the jockeys and trainers' lists of names of men who aro guilty of theso crimes. This ifill never bo done by tho district committees; it will only be done bv a committed that is free of local prejudices." On being put to the voto the motion was lost by 21 votes to 12.