THE JOCKEYS' DISPUTE.

Wairarapa Age, 15 June 1920, Page 5

THE JOCKEYS' DISPUTE.

A DRIVERS' THREAT.

REPLY or CONFERENCE SECRETARY.

By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Last Night.

The Secretary of the Canterbury Drivers' Union has written Sir Georgo 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:—"The present attitude of the Tacing authorities, if persisted in, we are Bare will result in very serious industrial trouble. Therefore, we urge you to realise tho very heavy responsibility which you are carrying, and to do all in your power to remove the cause."

The secretary of tho Racing Conference, instructed by Sir Georgo Clifford, has replied that it is not clear why the Canterbury Drivers' Union Bhould 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 a majority of the jockeys in constant employment had been promised that their requests, to nearly all of which Sir George had promisod cordial support, would be brought before tho Racing Conference next.

month. Alterations to the Rules of Racing can only be made by the Conference, and it would appear prematuro to make the threats contained in the Union's letter before it is known how far any grievances sustained by tho legitimate jockeys have been remedied by tho body constituted for that purpose. After referring to the varied interests concerned in racing, the secretary alludes to the fact that no objection has been raised to the forma-

tion of associations in connection with the sport, ami says:—"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 desirable. Any such association cannot, however, be permitted to usurp authority over all other branches of the sport by the mere brute force of such a weapon as a strike. The non-recog-nition 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 listing of racing as ""black," and the threatening attitude of the Association to Jockeys who do not conform to its behest, the writer proceeds that it is clear that if racing is to be con-

ducted 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 been organised by the jockeys themselves, and if thoy

lad come with reasonable propositions o the Racing Conference, their recep-

tion would have been cordial. 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 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 whicih you apparently have at heart by persuading all concerned to adopt the constitutional means provided by the Jlules of Racing for remedying all such, matters as they may feel require adjustment."