THE IMPRISONED EMPLOYER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14185, 10 April 1908, Page 6

THE IMPRISONED EMPLOYER

I FURTHER EXPLANATIONS. (Frok Gnn Own Cobhespondeht.) AUCKLAND, April 8. Tho brother of Mr Dixon, of Drory, who is now in Mount Eden Gaol taking out his fine, has written to the Herald stating the facts of the case., Ho says: "The facts of the caso aro that Mr Dixon engaged a certain person as an apprentice who, after ■working for him somo time, loft and returned in about four years' time. This person made iiui arrangement with Dixon to work for 7s per day. Now, Dixon knew him only as an apprentice not yet out of his time, and in offering him 7s per day know very well lie was giving him more than ho should have as a four years' apprentice, but ho'looked, upon him as a friend and a 'neighbour whom ho had known from a'child,' and believed ho would try and make himself worth the extra money. Howover, after working for a few months, when it camo to settling up, ho demanded 8s per day, and when Dixon refused at onco reported it to tho union. _ Henco tho pro. cecdings at tho Arbitration Court. It is no use going further with the case, becauso the wholo thing starts from this point, and if Dixon coukl have got a chanco at the Arbitration Court he could have proved that this person was only a four years' apprentice. I could write more on this case, but as it is in the hands of a solicitor I (refrain. What I havo written is on behalf.of my brother, who is not ablo to answer for himself." ..' . In connection with this case, there seems to have been some misunderstanding regarding Mr Masscy's action in the matter. Ono Government organ'says: "No loss a person than the Leader of the Opposition has used his influence to sccuro tho release." But Mr Massey did nothing of the kind. He simply asked the Minister of Justico to inquire into the matter.