JOCKEYS’ DISPUTE.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1920, Page 3

JOCKEYS’ DISPUTE.

(Per Press Association.) PETITION TO SIR GEORGE CLIFFORD. .CHRISTCHURCH, May 19. Sir George Clifford, President of the

New Zealand Racing Conference, has I received a petition from 22 of the leading jockeys, stating that they have determined to withdraw from the socalled New Zealand Jockeys’ Association on the grounds 'that they were led to believe that the association woqld only lie an association, and not a union, and would not he affiliated with other unions. They state that there arc some pdints on which they would like an amendment to the Rules of Racing or alterations in the customs obtaining on some of the racecourse and ask for an interview to submit matters on which they consider the Racing Con- _ fcrence might grant concessions. Sir George Clifford has .'replied to each petitioner that lie Will be pleased to meet him or any representative appointed by the petitioners. Whatever requests are . made will be placed Fairly before the Racing Conference, nnd receive its full consideration.

Sir George proceeds: “While glad'to meet yon for a friendly talk on these subjects, I may explain that my ieason for declining to confer with the New Zealand Jockey’s Association was because I was sure it did not represent the true feeling of the jockeys' who had been led.to join it, and because it claimed an interference with the details of racing management which would have been injurious alike to the owners, trainers, jockeys, and to the public.” , , Sir George Clifford will meet representatives of petitioners in Wellington on the 29th. inst.

A prominent jockey lias also written to Sir George Clifford enclosing the names 0f.43 jockeys who have resigned from the association and asking nini to receive a deputation.