JOCKEYS' DISPUTE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 220, 11 June 1920, Page 8

JOCKEYS' DISPUTE

* AN ABORTIVE CONFERENCE

ASSOCIATION IS DENIED RECOGNITION

A conference summoned under the Labour Disputes Investigation Act to consider the disputo between tho Jockeys' Association and the owners of racehorses mot in Wellington yesterday, but failed to achieve a settlement. Mr. P. Hally (appointed by the Government) presided. The cwners were represented by Sir George Clifford (Chnstchureh), Mr. R. Ifannon (Auckland), and Mr. J. S. M'Leod (Hastings). The Jockeys' Assoeiation was represented by Messrs. C. C. Sheath (Auckland), E. W. Davies (Cliristehurcli), and AV. A. Ryan (Auckland). Tho demands of (he association havo already been published. Tho Press were not admitted to tho . meeting. AVhon the proceedings _ had ended, Mr. Hally mado the follo'iving statement.:— "After some general discussion, the representatives of the owners went into committee and decided that they could not see their way to engage in further discussion or to recogniso the Jockeys' Association. Their objection to recognising the association was based on the following grounds:—That a very large section of the jockeys had intimated to vnrious owners that they had .'s far. ns possibf.e severed their connection with the association; that among those who had given the intimation mentioned were many of tho most prominent horsemen in the Dominion; that it was not considered desirable in the interests of racing generally that a combination of the character of the present association should receive recognition. "The representatives of the r.ssocuwon contended, in reply, that they had a legal standing, and that though a number of tho original members had resigned, some had since seen fit to reconsider their position and had rejoined. The association's representatives further claimed tlmt they still possessed in their ranks an overwhelming majority of tho jockevs of New Zcn'and. "I was compelled to suggest that there did not seem to 1m the slightest possi- ' bility of the parties being able to make any joint recommendation that rould overcome the difficulty, and at ay. suggestion the meeting dispersed. I promised to report as early tia possible to tho Minister in charge. "I still think," Mr. HaV.y concluded, "that if the parties understood each other a litt'o better something miijht be done wliich would benefit both sides. I intend to make some effort in this connection before I leave again for Aucb land." ' It is understood that when the.Rncing Conference meets next month consideration will be given t'o the question of improving the conditions of employment of jockeys as promised by the president of the conference to a recent deputation of jocseys.