ASSOCIATION NOT RECOGNISED

Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 138, 11 June 1920, Page 7

ASSOCIATION NOT RECOGNISED

The conference between the racehorse owners and the Now Zealand Jockeys' Association called under the provisions of the Labour Disputes Investigation Act sat in Wellington yesterday afternoon, but did not bring about a settlement of the points at issue. The proceedings were not open to the press, but subsequently the chairman, Mr. P. Hally, issued the following 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 recognise 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 various owners that they had as far as possible severed their connection with the association; that among those who had given the intimation mentioned were many of the most prominent horsemen in the Dominion ; that it was not consideredf desirable in the interests of racing generally that a combination of the character of the present association should receive recognition. "The representatives of the association contended, in reply, that they had a legal standing, and that though a number of thwonginal members had resigned, some had since seen fit to reconsider their position and had rejoined. The association's representatives further claimed that they still possessed in their ranks an overwhelming majority of the jockeys of New Zealand. "I was compelled to suggest that theie did not seem to be the slightest possibility of the parties being able to make any joint recommendation that would overcome tho difficulty, and at my suggestion the meeting dispersed. I promised to report as early, as possible to tho Minister in charge. "I still think," Mr. Hally concluded, "that if the parties understood each other a little better something might be done- which would benefit both sides. I intend to make some effort in this connection before I leave again for Auckland." It is understood that when the Racing Conference meets next month, consideration will be given to the question of improving the conditions of employment of jockeys as promised by the president of the conference to a. recent deputation of jockeys.