 Neild was not a supporter of party discipline , refusing to follow Sir Josiah Symon 's leadership of the Free Trade Senators . He spoke against the dictation test for non @-@ British immigrants and the deportation of Kanaka workers , and continued to advocate free trade and old @-@ age pensions . Having won the fifth position at the 1901 election , Neild faced re @-@ election in 1903 , and his impassioned support of the British Empire saw him elected at the head of the poll despite failing health . 
