Labour Czars.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 178, 13 July 1920, Page 5

Labour Czars.

THE FIREMEN RULERS. RACING PRESIDENT HELD UP. VESSEL SAILS WITHOUT HIM. I Per Press Association. 1 Christchurch, July 12. Sir George Clifford, president of the New Zealand Racing Conference, had booked a passage for Wellington by the Mokoia to-night, but- the firemen declined to go to sea with him, and .Ur. Rutherford on board. When Sir G. Clifford was told of the firemen’s attitude bis first inclination was to stay on the ship and let matters take their course, but on second thoughts he decided to go ashore and save trouble on account of the many passengers on board who had important reasons for travelling. As Sir G. Cliiford left the ship the passengers cheered him, the firemen making a counter-demonstra-tion.

Apparently tho firemen declined to sail with Sir G. Clifford and Mr. Rutherford for tho reason that they are racehorse owners, but there appears to be some mistake about l>r. Rutherford, for it is understood that no member of the Wel'ington racing family of that name was on board the Xlokoia. It looks as if Sir G. Clifford will not bo able to preside at the New Zealand Racing Conference in Wellington on Thursday, when one of the principal items of the business is consideration of the jockeys’ dispute and the best means of effecting a settlement. LOSING THEIR BEST FRIEND. Later. As Sir George Clifford left the Mokoia the firemen shouted out “You will never travel by this boat or any other Union Company boat,” followed by a counting out. The men walked along the deck as Sir George proceeded along the wharf. “If you only knew it you .aro losing one of the best friends you have,” Sir George remarked to one group. Sir George lifted his hat to the crowd as he finally left tho wliarf, and with nis daughter returned to Christchurch.