JOCKEYS' DISPUTE

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XXXI, Issue XXXI, 20 May 1920, Page 5

JOCKEYS' DISPUTE

PETITION TO SIR GEORGE CLIFFORD.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PBESH ASSOCIATION.)

CHRISTCHURCH, May 19. feir George Clifford, president of the New Zealand Racing Conference, has received a petition from twenty-two of [the leading jockeys, stating «hat they have determined to withdraw from the so-called New Zealand Jockeys' Asso ciation on the ground that they veie led to beheve the Association ' would only be an association, and not a j union, and would not be affiliated' w:th other unions. They state there are some points on which they would like amendments to the- rules of racing, or alterations in the customs obtaining on some racecourses, and ask for an interview to submit the matters on rhich they consider the Racing Conference might grant concessions. Sir George Clifford has replied- to each petitioner that he will be pleased to meet him or any representatives appointed by the petitioners. Whatever requests are made will be placed fairly before the Racing Conference, and receive full consideration. Sir George proceeds: "While glad to meet you for a friendly talk on these subjects, I may explain that my reason for declining to confer with the New Zealand Jockeys* Association was because I was sure it did not represent the true feeling of the jockeys who had been led to join it, and because it claimed an interference with the details of racing management. »»Meh would have been injurious alike to owners, trainers, jockeys, and to the public." Sir George Clifford1 will meet representatives of the petitioners in Wellington on the 29th inst. A prominent jockey has also written to Sir George enclosing the names of 43 jockeys who have resigned from the Association, and asking him to receive a deputation. WELLINGTON, May 19. The Labor Representation Committee to-night passed a resolution congratulating the seamen and watersiders on refusing to convey racehorses which have been declared "black."