A SELF-RELIANT TOILER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1567, 25 September 1905, Page 4

A SELF-RELIANT TOILER.

. Looking for navvying work at 87: years of age is somewhat unusual.; Mr Hogg, M.H.R., however, tells us that he encountered such a case the; other day. A grey-bearded but talland wiry-looking man, whose deep wrinkles told of a long acquaintance with life and its conflicts, called on him with the request 1 for work.; “Work! What kind of work?’ he, asked. “Pick and shovel.” said the old man, “ Hard graft. That’s what, I am used to.” ‘‘ Have you been doing any of that kind of work in the district ? ” “ Yes,” said the appioant, “I’ve worked on the roads for Mr Scott and I’ve worked for Mr Harding. They both know me, but they say they have nothing.” .-‘Where would you like to go then?" asked the M.H.R. “Oh! you’ve sent some men to Taihape. I’d like to go to the Co-ops.” “ But you’re a good age to be doing hard work and wanting it. I suppose you’re sixty-five at least ? ” “Just a little more. I’m eightyseven! Why man you Bhould be retiring from work. Cannot you get the old age pension?” “I could,” said the aged veteran, “ but I never applied for it." “ You, know you would have ten shillings a week now.” “ Yes, I know all that, but I’d rather work. I’m old but I can do a lot of work for all that. I’d rather get work than take the pension.” “ You have some real good independent grit in you. I’ll see my friends in the Labor Department, and work you shall have if I can manage it.”