THE JOCKEY TROUBLE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 154, 15 June 1920, Page 2

THE JOCKEY TROUBLE.

CANTERBURY DRIVERS TAKE A PART.

“SERIOUS TROUBLE THREATENED.”

AN EXCHANGE OF LETTERS.

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 and saying “the present attitude of the racing authorities, if persisted in, we are sure, wil* result in very serious industrial trouble.”

The secretary of the Racing Conference, instructed by Sir George Clifford, replied that it is not clear why the Canterbury Drivers’ Union should intervene in the matter. The Jockeys’ Association, as at present constituted, by no means represented the New Zealand licensed jockeys, and he points out that a deputation representing a majority of the jockeys in constant employment had been promised that their requests, to nearly al', of which Sir George had promised cordial support, would be brought before the Racing Conference next month. Alterations tn the Rules of Racing can only be mado by the Conference, and it would appear premature to make the threats contained in the Union's letter before it is known how 'far any grievances contained by the legitimate jockeys have been remedied by the body constituted for that purpose. The non-recognition of the Jockeys’ Association, organised and led by a person outside the body of licensed jockeys, is explained by the fact that it lias resorted to this ex.trefne method bf obtaining its end. If the Association had been organised by the jockeys themselves, and if they had come with reasonable propositions to the Racing Conference, their reception would have been cordial. “You, on your part,” concludes the letter,” may be urged to realise the very heavy responsibility you are carrying when* you press, under threats, for the recognition of the Jockeys’ Association, and you may do good service to the cause which you apparently have at heart by persuading all concerned to adopt constitutional means provided bv the Rules of Racing for remedying all such matters as they may feel require adjustment.”