“NAVVY” CANDIDATE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 505, 7 November 1928, Page 10

“NAVVY” CANDIDATE

WORKED FOR LESS THAN “NINE BOB” MR. DICKSON AT EPSOM That he had worked for less than nine shillings a day and worked hard, too, was the confession of Mr. J. S. Dickson. Reform candidate for Parnell, in an address to over 200 electors in St. George’s Hall, Ranfurly Road, Epsom, last evening. Mr. H. B. Dobbie* chairman of the One Tree Hill Road Board, was in the chair. The confession arose out of a remark by the candidate that some people criticised the wages paid to men on relief works . A Voice: Nine bob a day! I should say they would. Would you work for that? Mr. Dickson: I have worked for less and worked hard, too. Mr. Dickson said if the relief worker did not make more than the relief rates of pay when he was on contract work, it was the fault of the worker for not sticking to the job. The candidate said an unbiassed analysis of Sir Joseph Ward’s loan showed the utter impracticability of it. Voice: If Sir Joseph Ward says it can be done, it can be. Mr. Dickson said if the Interrupter would hear him through he would probably alter his opinion on that point. The interjector said that Sir Joseph always did what he said he would. “Now your Government has been in power for three years ” Mr. Dickson: And has done well. The chairman warned another interjector that he would put him out if he persisted in arguing with the candidate concerning the alleged failure of the Reform Party to carry out its pledges. Mr. Dickson: Oh, I don’t mind him in the least.The Interjector: Of course not. He likes me immensely. At question time Mr. Dickson was asked if he believed in a policy of saving. Mr. Dickson: Certainly. I think everyone ought to believe in such a policy. The Questioner: Well, why don’t you support daylight saving. The candidate said he had always done so. At the conclusion of the meeting the candidate was accorded a vote expressing appreciation of his services to the electorate during the • past 17 years, and assuring him of support.