"LOAFING" HUSBANDS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9476, 13 December 1918, Page 6

"LOAFING" HUSBANDS.

Officials from the Melbourne Ladies' Benevolent Society recently appealed to the State Treasurer (Mr McPherson) to facilitate, the passage through the State Parliament of a law making it an offence for a husband not- to support his wife and family. -The representatives of the society said that there was &■ distinction, between, a. husband who deserted his family and a husband who 'refused to work to support those who should be dependent upon him. The latter was characterised as a "loafer" who escaped the law. The State brought back deserting husbands under arrest, but the man who .remained idle at home waiting for his wife and family to support him 'could not at present be interfered with, under the law.

Mr Mcrhorson euid that he m"os in entire sympathy with the objects of Die .society. 'He would immediately have inquiries made in the various Stfitos as' to whether laws existed to (Uvd with "loafing" imsbajrcLs. n . Belgium, where it was said an effective law had been paased, would also be asked to forward details, and when tlra information was to hand he would be pleased to introduce a deputation representing the various benevolent societies ..to'-the Chief {Secretary (Mr Bowser) with a request that' a Bill embodying the provisions of the Act in ' otlier places should be introduced to the Legislative Assembly as soon as. possible.