Norman is down and out in 1908 and really needs a job. Member of Parliament, E.W. Tobin was Norman's patron. Tobin  is instrumental in getting Norman his job as inspector on the Canadian Transcontinental Railway. (There's a letter from the Commissioner claiming Tobin has been in to see him a number of times with regard to Norman Nicholson). Tobin also gets Norman back his job after he goes awol from the railroad in 1910 (read the letters). Norman was always writing him for favours, of the very very small kind. This job on the railway was no plum position; it was hard hard work for an older man!

There's one time Tobin doesn't come to Norm's aid and that  is with respect to son Herb's disgrace, when he steals money from the till at the Eastern Township's Bank where he works.  It's Margaret who writes Tobin for help this time, perhaps because Norman is too embarrassed, or because they think a Mom's plea will hold more currency.  Tobin is clever and evades the question.  In 1913, when Norman is let go by the Conservatives, he writes Tobin again and Tobin brusquely replies, "What can you expect from those people! " He does give Norman a job at his sawmill in 1914.