MAINTENANCE CASES.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 58, 8 March 1913, Page 11

MAINTENANCE CASES.

M - Akken was charged before Mr. C. C. Kettle, S._, yesterday afternoon with having- failed to maintain his wife and family. JJx. M. Maihohev appeared for the complainant.. The wife said she had six children living. Her husband drank, off and on. She left him ou Tuesday night because her husband struck her. She had trouble with her 'husband in Hokitlka some years ago, and was separated from him for two years. One of her children was earning 25/ per week: When asked if he had any questions to ask, the husband said he did not wish to expose dirty linen in Court. Mr. Kettle: "That is a very cowardly insinuation. If you have anything to say, say it!" In answer to defendant, the wife said she could not say her husband failed to provide adequate support. She wanted separation for cruelty and drunkenness. Constable Murphy stated he Was called in to the defendant's bouse. "There had been tremble between the man-and his wife. He understood they had a bottle of beer between them. The man was a hard worker, 'but very nasty when in drink. Mt. Kettle-: Do you think a few months at the Island would do • him good? Witness: How would his wife and family get on in the-meantime? •Mr. Kettle: That's just the.trouble. Defendant, being sworn, said ]be had a home of his own on the West Coast, but he lost it, partly through drink, and being out of work. He threw up a job at £2 per week because he could not get a rise. Then he was out of work for some months. He lost his home, his shares in a building society, and also his life insurance. He came to Auckland eight months ago, and got into regular work. Defendant had knocked his wife about when he was in drink, andwas very sorry for it. They both had drink. It was at his suggestion the drink was first brought into his home. There was no reason why his wife and he should not live together. Mr. Kettle then put the man on his oath not to get any drink for 12 months, and to assist his wife and children. The case was then adjourned for three weeks. AN ORDER INCREASED. An application was made for the increase from 7/6 to 10/ per week of an order made against Alexander Daviea for the maintenance of an illegitimate child. Mr. Quartley appeared for the defendant, and argued that as the mother was earning £1 per week and her keep, she could easily contribute towards the support of the child, which was being looked after ■by the grandmother. The order was increased to 10/ per week.