JOCKEY’S DISPUTE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1920, Page 1

JOCKEY’S DISPUTE

ANOTHER AUCKLAND INCIDENT.

(Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, June A

A quest for information respecting tno refusal last eveniong of the crew of the Arahura to sail for East Coast ports with two jockeys and a “racehorse” aboard, led to some very humorous copy being elicted, despite the seriousness of the dispute. It may be mentioned that four jockeys 'booked passages by the Arahura, but only two of them boardhd the vessel. A horse was also consigned for shipment by the Arahura to Gisborne by a,MrJ. Crake. The two jockeys and the horse, however wore still in Auckland when' the steamer passed down the harbour, ! the crew at a hastily-called meeting aboard the vessel, deciding not to sail with either jockeys or horse. It is stated in connexion with one of r the jockeys that exception had been taken to him by the crew, on the ground thivt of late he has resigned and joined up with the Jockeys’ Association, no less Than six times., In the case of the horse, however there is an amusing story to tell despite the inconvenience caused to and the consequent disgust of the owner, by the men who refused to take it to its -proposed destination. The crew, according to reliable information, have been on the look but for a race-: horse which somfi party or parties intended to ship to an East Coast port. The men of the sea were determined that it should not- go aboard, and kept a. careful vigil. When Mr Crake’s ]x>ny came down the wharf, the crew evidently with scanty knowledge of a racer, made the mistake of adjudging it the horse for which they had been on the look-out. Imagine the chagrin of the owner at having his pony turned down after lading it 92 miles from the north, where it had carried its owner over the country during cattle-selling operations. The Arahura eventually sailed last evening, two hours late. Another incident in connection with the battle of wits between parties concerned with the dispute also came to light. It has to do with a. shipment of horses that arrived from New Plymouth last week. It is alleged that a racehores was “smuggled” aboard among about fifteen of the heavy type and escaped the vigilance of the crew.

THE JOCKEYS’ DISPUTE. WELLINGTON, June 10., A conference was held this afternoon, under the chairmanship of Mr P. Halley and under the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, between the Executive of the New Zealand Jockey’s Association and the owners (represented by Sir 0. Clifford, J. S. McLeod and R. Hannan). No agreement was arrived at. The racehorse owners claimed that the Association did not represent the jockeys of New Zealand, and that even if they did so, it would be impossible in the interests of the owners, trainers, jockeys and public to submit to dictation from any one section of racing interests, specially when organised by outsiders. The owners expressed willingness to receive suggestions on all matters connected with racing from individuals or others 'connected with the sport, stating that this course had already been taken in re- ' spent to proposed legislation by the forthcoming meeting of the New Zealand j Racing Conference.