JOCKEYS’ DISPUTE.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1920, Page 3

JOCKEYS’ DISPUTE.

\ (Per Press Association.)

LETTER TO PREMIER. AUCKLAND, May' 19. In explanation of the difficulty,, which j has arisen in racing circles, a letter has been forwarded to the Premier by the Chairman of the Auckland District Racing Committee, (Hon Mitchellson), claiming that the position was ' grossly misrepresented by those controlling the affairs .of the Jockeys’ Association to the various trade unions, with a view to getting their sympathetic support. The letter igoes on to the suspension of the licenses of certain jockey's, winehad nothing whatever to do with them. In connection with these jockeys, the Association has solely to do with the race horse owners and jockeys. Any differences regarding oniploymeilt must be settled between these two classes. Regarding recent suspensions tlieso have been inflicted solely by reason of deliberate breaches by tile jockeys of the conditions of their licenses. It ( is an offence on a jockey’s part to Inoak his riding engagement with an owner, or incite other jockeys to do so. Offen- : ees charged against Hewitt, Rae and I O’Shea, aro set out, and it is alleged,

i for these offences only, were they sus--1 pended. They have the right of appeal to the Racing Conference. They have ["defied the rules under which their licenses were granted, and expect thenconduct to he passed unnoticed. Trades unions have been misled by certain officers of the Jockeys’ Associaiton. The position is analogous to trade unions dealing with one of its own members, who defied the rules of the union. The: actions of tlio Jockeys’ Association are contrary to the men’s own registered objects and rules, inasmuch as provision Ms “members shall loyally observe cn- | gagdments and conditions of their UCGHon Mitchellson concludes that he does not flunk that the Conference suggested by Mr Massey will be of any avail. It should be pointed out to the ; unions that no victimisation take. I place, arid the dispute has. nothing t , do with the recent suspensions which again are not of consequence of jockeys’ action on the first day of the Avondale meeting. . .