THE DRURY AFFAIR.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 11251, 16 April 1908, Page 3

THE DRURY AFFAIR.

em (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, last night. Some of the"-, statements ' made to a Herald reporter^ on Tuesday^ by Mr Dixon, the Drury contractor, who is at present undergoing imprisonment in Mount Eden gaol, were yesterday contradicted by the employe concerned. In conversation with a Herald reporter, the employe said he was never apprenticed to Mr Dixon.r^He had been- working with his father previous to going with Mr Dixon in the building trade, and he commenced with Mr Dixon as an improver. 'Ihe question of apprenticeship was never mentioned at arty.- time. At the time he commenced with Mr Dixon he was 22 years of age; not 19 ae stated, and he never told Mr 'Dixon he was 19. He had not askeft MriDixoii for a job, but the latter asked hjnr to work for him. "I agreed to start' at 8s per day, and not 7s as alleged," continued the employe. "I was never fully paid my wages, because Mr Dixon always paid me advances. He never pai& me fully in any shape or form' until the job was completed, and then I discovered when he finally settled up with me thafche had only paid me at the rate of 7s per day, instead of Bs. When Mr Dixon would not pay me 8s per day, I came into town and reported the matter to the secretary of the Carpenters' Union, and then Court proceedings followed against each party. I was advised that under the Masters and Apprentices Act of 1895, which my solicitors inform 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 employe stated that he had served over four" years ■ at the trade before he worked for Mr Dixon.