THE DRURY CASE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2167, 16 April 1908, Page 3

THE DRURY CASE.

DIXON’S STATEMENT CONTRADICTED. Press Association. AUCKLAND, April 15. Some of the statements made to a “Herald” reporter on Tuesday by Air. Dixon, the Drury contractor, who is at present- undergoing imprisonment in Alount Eden gaol, wore yesterday contradicted by the employee concerned. In conversation with a “Herald” reporter, the employee said ho was never apprenticed to Air. Dixon. Ho had been working with his father previous to goin’g with Air. Dixon in tho building trade, and he commenced with Air. Dixon as an improver. Tho question of apprenticeship was never mentioned at any time. At tho time 1m commenced with Mr. Dixon lie was 22 years of age; not 19 as stated, and he never told Air. Dixon ho was 19. He had not asked Mr. Dixon for a job, but the latter asked him to work for him. “I agreed to start at- 8s per day, and not 7s as alleged,” continued the employer. “I was never fully paid my wages because Air. Dixon always paid me advances. He never paid me fully in any shape or form until the job was completed,and then I discovered when he finally settled up with me that lie had only paid me at the rate of 7s per day instead‘ of Bs. AVheii. Air. Dixon would not pay me 8s a day, I came into town and reported tho matter to the secretary oi the Carpenters Union, and then Court proceedings followed against each party. I was advised that under tlie Alasters and Apprentices Act of 1860, which my solicitor informs me is not overruled by the carpenters’ award, I could not continue to be an apprentice after I had attained the age of 19 years.” In conclusion, the employee stated that he had served over four years at the trade before he worked for Air. Dixon.