SIR GEORGE CLIFFORD

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 247, 13 July 1920, Page 6

SIR GEORGE CLIFFORD

HAS TO LEAVE THE MOKOIA FIREMEN REFUSE TO SAIL WITH HIM By Telegraph—Press Aosocintlon. Christchurch, July 12. Sir Gcorgo Clifford (president of tho Now Zealand Bacing Conference had booked his passage for Wellington by the Mokoia to-night, but the firemen declined, to go to sea with him and Mr lluthcrford on board. When Sir George Clifford was told or the firemen's attitude,- his first inclination was to stay on the ship and lot matters take their course; but on second thoughts ho decided to go ashore and save trouble, on account of tho many passengers on board who had important reasons for travelling. As he left tho ship the passengers cheered him, tlie firemen making n counter-demonstration. Apparently tlie firemen declined to sail with Sir George Clifford and Mr. Buthfii'ord for the reason yiat the two are rm-uliorso owners; but there appears to bo some mistake about Mr. Eutherford, for it is understood that no member of tlw ruche family of that name was ou Iward Hit Mokoia. It lwikii as if Sir George Clifford will not be able to preside at tho Now 'leu. land Bacing Conference nt Wellington on Thursday, when one of tho principal items of business will bo tho. consideration of the jockeys' dispute ami the best means of ei'lecting a settlement. Later. An Sir George Clifford left the Mokoia tho firemen shouted, "You will never travel by this boat or any other Union Company boat!'' Somo "counting out" followed. The men walked along the deck as Sir George proceeded up the wharf. "If vou only know it, you aro losing one of the best friends- you have," Sir George remarked to one group. He lifted hia hat to the crowd aa he finally left tho wharf and with his daughter returned to Christchurch.