THE JOCKEYS' DISPUTE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17940, 20 May 1920, Page 4

THE JOCKEYS' DISPUTE.

The elements of a serious industrial conflict seem to be present in the dispute between the recently-formed Jockeys' Association and the racing clubs of the dominion. The declaration of tho Transport Workers' Advisory Board that henceforth the New Zealand Racing Conference, all racing clubs, racecourses, racehorses, racecourse stables, and all material in connection with racing is to be regarded as " black" is certainly one of the most humorous resolutions that have been recorded in trades union history. The sad plight of a "pnnter" with a "certainty" who happens to be a "member of class" and must perforce be loyal to the "black" decree is distressing. Tho dispute, however, presents interesting and real difficulties, and if statements which have been publicly made anent the working conditions of jockeys are correct then there would appear to be a case in favour of an organisation to protect jockeys' interests. Moreover, there is no reason why jockeys should not be permitted to baud themselves together for the protection of their legitimate interests. To concede oven that point does not get over tht present difficulty. The plain fact is that the Rules of Racing and the leading proposals or principles of the Jockeys' Association are incompatible. For the nonce the Rules of Racing must stand and racing clubs must conduct race meetings in accordance with those rules. They can, of course, be altered in a constitutional way. The jockeys have taken out licenses under those rules and they are bound fairly to respect them. The new proposals are matters for invests gation and conference, and it is regrettable that a clash had taken place before a conference of the parties was held. It may be possible, though difficult, to harmonise the Rules of Racing with an industrial agreement or award of the Arbitration Court, but pending anything of this kind it seems reasonable that the Rules of Racing should govern racing and the conduct of jockeys.

The mails which left New Zealand on March. 27 and April 6 arrived at London on May 15.

The ferry steamer Maori did not reach Lytt-elton till 8.15 yesterday morning, and missed connection with the first express southwards.

The crowded state of Diuiedin and the groat demands which have been imposed upon the various catering establishments of the town as a result of the Prince's visit were well exemplified in the dinner which was tendered to the visiting , pressmen by tho Dunedin newspapers. It was found quite impossible to arrange the function with the ordinary trading firms or with any cf tho leading hotels, but fortunately the ready willingness to assist which has invariably characterised the Dunedin Commercial Travellers' Olub provided a means whereby the desired object could be accomplished, the management and committee going out of their way to arrange for a dinner, which waa in every way adequate to the occasion.

A large English mail was landed at Auckland yesterday from the Shaw, Savill liner lonic. Tho Dunedin portion should arrive here on Friday evening. The R.M.S. Makura, wheh is due at Auckland on Sunday afternoon from Vancouver, has 532 bags of American and English mails for New Zealand, and the 6teamer Wairuna, which is due at Napier next Wednesday', is bringing another 356 bags of American mail matter. Another English mail will "bo landed at Auckland from the liner Arawa, which is duo there on June 17 from London.

As the Prince passed through Anderson's Bay yesterday forenoon, motoring round to i'Vrbury, he paused near the Presbyterian Church long enough to receive two genuine marks of affection and esteem from the local residents. Little Miss Somerville, a great-granddaughter of the pioneer settlor John Somerville, presented him with a beautiful bouquet of roses, and Sister Jeffery, who saw active service in several of the war zones presented to him a tastefully decorated basket of grapes. His Highness graciously accepted the gifts with evident pleasure.

A very happily conceived and enjoyable item in the Pnnoo of Wales's busy programme yesterday was hia'brief visit otter 10 o'clock at night to tho Early Settlers' Museum. ilo was met by air John Duthio, president of the Early Settlers' Jtseociation, and Mr J. Patterson, secretary, who with tho members of tlie committee present wore introduced to hum. In the museum many objects of interest caught his quick eye, and thoso accompanying him had to eatisiy his curiosity on many points. An onUu'ged photograph of tho children's parade- before liis fcitlier and moUier at the Caledonian. Ground in 1901 occupied , his attention for several minutes, but the discovery of tho evening was made when Colonel Grigg began to turn tho handle of tho old barrel organ and found ho was giving a beautiful r ich-tonecl rendering of "Adcsto Fideles." 'lho Prince was at his side in a moment," and promptly asserted his equal musical accomplishmsjits, by grinding out tho well-known tune, of "Christ tho Lord is Risen To-day." Then nothing would satisfy him but a similar exhibition from Sir William Eraser, who after a little hesitation was induced to extract from tho organ a fine stately old I'&alm tune. Tho incident caused no end of innocent amusement to tho Prince and his staff and the handful of others present. The organ to whoso historical associations tlio Prir.co has made such a rich addition is a remarkable instrument that was brought out by Dr Richardson to Otago in (-.ho ship Dominion as early as 1851. It is, therefore, tho first organ that reached Otago. It was brought out for the use of the Episcopalian Church in Durfodin, whoso meetings in thoso o-arly days were held in tho Supreme Court buildings. Before he left to attend the ball in the ArtGallery HaU, the Princo and his fetafF signed the visitors' book.

The annual reunion of the University Women's Association is to be held in tho Allen Hall to-morrow ovening. .Special invitations have hcon issued to all men β-ntduntcs, and to members of the University Council and teaching staff, and every olForfc has been put forth to mnko tho feathering ono of a special character. Additional interest in lent to the. function by tho fact that this is the jubilee- year of the Otago University. A discussion will takes place on the question of establishing a combined War and Jubilee Memorial Fund, and on the object to which such a fund should* Ire devoted. The chief speakers of tho evening will bo Miss Flora Allan (president), and Dr K. J. O'Neill. On (Saturday afternoon at 5 o'clock the business meeting will be held, at which, among other important subjects of interest to bo

discussed, -will bo tho International Fcdoration of University Women, and tho proposal that Now Zealand University women should ofliliata to tho International Association. Tho official opening , of tho GlcnoairnHaA], at Tomahawk, has been fixed for Tuesday evening next. The function will be eolebrated by moans of a concert and dance, which will be under the patronage of tho Mayor and councillors of the city of Duncdin. A splendid programme of vocal and instrumental .items has Ijeen arranged for tho perforniEinco, including tho Band of tho 4th Otago Regiment, Mesdames Wilfred Andrews and Astley Black, Miss Bailey, and' Messrs E. Bryant, Maitland, Sattherwaite, Osborn, and Dcakor, in addition to which Pinnerty's party of vocal comedians will give a series of items. Mr Chas. Martin

will act as accompanist. For tho convenience of intending patrons a motor conveyance will run from tho city on the evening of the concert.

The question of starting dried fruit and vegetable factories under a process known as de-hydration, was referred to at a meeting of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce recently. In .reply to a letter from trie chamber, a resident of tho United States forwarded information and samples of de-hydrated fruit, meat, fish, and vegetables, and gave information as to the cost of tho plant. Mr; G. Parr, who presided, said that tho chamber intended showing the samples at the winter show. De-hydra-tion of vegetables and fruit allowed growers to provide for the winter, and tho process had proved a great success. He mentioned that a do-hydrated cabbage weighed onJy a few ounces, but when put into water it assumed nearly its natural size, and waa found to have lost none of its natural flavour.

Ono of thoso little kindly touches which are endearing- tho Prince to thousands in this country occurred at the military review at Ghristchurch on Friday afternoon* A little bugler, a lad of about 13 years of age, was stationed at tho saluting post, and at the conclusion of the presentation of the address to the Prince from the Returned Soldiers' Association ho followed out his orders, and commenced a blast upon his bugle. At the same moment the bugle was pulled away from his mouth, for the Prince was just about to reply to the address of the Returned Soldiers' Association. The little bugler looked disconcerted, for the spectators unfeelingly laughed, but he was soon quito happy again, for the Prince himself patted him on the shoulder, and conversed with him for quite a couple of minutes.

There is a considerable- shortage of blankets in the dominion at the present time. Tho demand is so great that the woollen mills are unable to meet it. The position is said to have been brought about by the fact that many of, i£ not all, the mills in New Zealand are turning out more tweed now than in the past in oTder to cope to some extent with tho falling off of importations from England. Tho Antwerp Stadium will be situated at tho gates of the city, Beerschat-Kiel. It will coftprko 11 acres, and have accommodation to seat 30,000 people. Besides the games for the publio it will be lavishly fitted up with bars, cafes, restaurants, for convenience.- There- will also bo a largo gallery for the accommodation of 100 musicians. The width of the track for foot races is nine metres, with a length of 120 metres. The track course for pedestrian events is 410 metres, and is laid down in ash. The football area measures 106 metres by 40.

A proposal fa under consideration for the installation of generating machinery at Kaitangata to supply electric light to Kaitangato, Stirling, and Balclutha (says the Clutha Leader). Suitable machinery is under oiler from an Australian firm, and it is contended that, with an unlimited supply of coal close at hand, sufficient power could bo generated at a cost that would compare very favourably with that to be derived from the proposed Lake Hawea scheme, and, moreover, it is considered that whereas some six or eight years will elapse before the Hawea scheme, is an accomplished fact, the Kaitangata proposal could be placed in operation before next winter. The proposal is backed up by an enterprising coal mine proprietary and other Kaitangata business men, while there is also a strong publio feeling in its favour in the coal aatang township.

John Cnxnahan, who was brought before Mr A. Russell, J.P., in the City Police Court yesterday, was remanded till this morning on a charge of using obscene language in Castle street late on Tuesday night. '

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