JOCKEY'S DISPUTE

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1920, Page 1

JOCKEY'S DISPUTE

VARIOUS ASPECTS

(Per Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, June 14

The Secretary of the 'Canterbury 'Drivers’ Union has written to Sir George Clifford, requesting him to use his influence to secure recognition of the Jockeys’ Association by the Racing Conference at the earliest possible moment.

referring to the right of the jockeys to endeavour to secure a removal of their grievances the writer proceeds:—“The present attitude of the Racing .authorities,-il—persieted -in we are sure will result 5n very serious industrial trouble. Therefore, we urge you to realise the very heavy responsibility which you are carrying, and to do all in your power to remove the cause.”

The Secretary of the Racing Conference, instructed by Sir George Clifford. lias replied that it is not clear why the Canterbury Drivers’ Union should interfere in the matter of ihe Jockeys’ Association, as at present constituted, he says, by no means represents the New Zealand licensed jockeys, and he could point out thrt a deputation representing a majority of tlie jockeys in constant employment had been promised that their requests —to nearly all of which lie (Sir George'' had promised cordial support—would bo ‘brought before the Racing Conference next month. - Alterations to the rules of racing Could only be made by the Conference and it would appear premature to make the threat contained ! in the Union’s letter before it was known how far any grievances complained of by the legitimate jockeys had been remedied by the body constituted for that purpose.

After referring ijo interests' concerned in racing, tlie secretary alludes to the fact that no objection had been raised to the formation of the Association in connection with the sport, and says the (President is inviting the trainers and jockeys to combine for the purpose of harmoniously treating . with the Conference for any purpose j which they may deem desirable. Any j such Association cannot, however, he i permitted to usurp anything over all other branches of the the sport by the j more brute force of such a weapon as . a strike. j The Secretary admits non-recognition , of the Jockeys’ Association, assertng it was organised and led by pero-itn outside the body of the licensed jock?vs This non-recognition is explained 1 > asserting it is a fact that the Association had resorted to an, extreme method for obtaining its end. After inferring to the listing of racing as black , and assuming a threatening-attitude < n the part of the Association towards jockeys who did not conform to its behests" the writer proceeds to assert that it is clear that if racing is to ! be conducted to the common advantage of owners, also jockeys and the pub m, its regulations' cannot be in the hands of anybody adopting such an attitude as the Association. If the latter nad been organised by Jockeys themselves, and if they had c°mc within/reasonable propositions to the Racing Conference, their reception would nave been cordial. “You, on yotir part, concludes the letter, “may bo urged 10 realise the very heavy responsibility yon are carrying when you press, undsr threats, for recognition of the Jockey’s Association for the Conference is offering the jockeys every facility for representing their request, and you may do good service to the cause Which you apparently have at hear by persuading all concerned to adopt constitutional means provided by tee rules of racing for remedying all such matters.