JOCKEYS' STRIKE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12078, 15 June 1920, Page 5

JOCKEYS' STRIKE.

Per Press,Association

.CHRISTCHURCH, Last Night,

The secretary of the Canterbury Drivers' Union has written to Sir Geo. Clifford requesting him to use his influence to secure the recognition of the Jockeys' Association by the Racing Conference at the earliest possible moment. After referring to the right of the jockeys to endeavour to secure the removal of their grievances, the writer proceeds to present the attitude of the racing authorities. "If persisted in Ave are sure it will result in very serious industrial trouble, therefore we urge you to realise the very heavy responsibility which you are carrying, and to do all in 'your power to remove the cause." The secretary of the Racing Conference, instructed by Sir George Clifford, replied: "It is not clear why the Cantei-bury Drivers' Union should intervene in the matter. The Jockeys' Association, as at present constituted, by no means represents the New Zealand licensed jockeys," and he points out that a deputation representing the majority of the jockeys in Canterbury in constant employment, had been promised that their request, to nearly all of which Sir Geo. Clifford had promised his cordial support, would be brought before the Racing Conference next month. Alterations 'to the Rules of Racing can only be made 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 complained of by the legitimate jockeys had been remedied by the body constituted for that purpose. After referring to the varied interests concerned in racing, the secretary alludes to the fact that no objection had -been raised to the formation of associations in connection with the sport, and says that the president is inviting the trainers and jockeys to combine for the purpose of harmoniously treating with the Conference for any purpose which they may deem advisable. Any such Association cannot, however, be permitted to usurp authority over all other branches of the sport, but the mere brute force of such a weapon as a strike. 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 has resorted to this extreme method of obtaining its end. After referring to the history of racing as "Black," and the threatening attitude of the Association to jockeys who did not conform to -its behest, the writer proceeds: "It "is clear,' if racing is to be conducted to the common advantage of owners, jockeys and the public, its regulation cannot be in the hands of a body adopting such an attitude. If the Association had bee a organised by the jockeys themselves, and if they had come with reasonable propositions to ilie Racing Conference, their reception would have been cordial. You on your part," concludes the letter, may bo urged to realise the very heavy responsibility you arc carrying when you press, under the threats, for recognition of the Jockeys' Association by the Conference, at a time when the Conference is offering- the jockeys every facility for representing their requests, and you may do good service to the cause which you apparently have at heart, by persuading all concerned to adopt the constitutional means provided by the Rules of Racing, for remedying all such, matters as they may feel require adjustment."