RELIEF WORK DEBTOR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 204, 10 June 1933, Page 8

RELIEF WORK DEBTOR.

THIRTY-NINE YEARS TO PAY.

(Special to the “ Guardian.”)

, GISBORNE, June 9

Thirty-nine years in which to pay off a debt amounting to £23 7s was the effect of an order made by Mr J. G. L. Hewitt, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court. The case was one in which a judgment summons order was sought against a relief worker, who stated that his earnings overaged 23s 9d per week, on which he had to maintain himself, his wife and two children.

Counsel for the judgment creditor insisted that when the judgment was secured the debtor had means to pay, and for this reason he was entitled to an order.

The Magistrate agreed that the creditor was entitled to an order, but ho asked how was it possible for him to pay in his present circumstances, t seeing that he was on the “dole.” Counsel: The judgment creditor is on the “dole” also.

Mr Hewitt said that if the judgment creditor insisted on payment it would mean imprisonment for debtor, and that would give satisfaction to nobody. He suggested that the application be adjourned until the debtor secures work, but when counsel declined to accept this course,' the Magistrate without further comment, made an order for payment at the rate of Is a month, in default twenty days’ imprisonment. .