RICHARDS CASE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 194, 30 May 1934, Page 3

RICHARDS CASE

HEATED WORDS IN COURT.

MAINTENANCE PROCEEDINGS;

(Per Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 29

David James Richards, a former university professor, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court to-day charged with being in arrears of maintenance in respect of his wife and child. After hours of hearing, during which Richards had to he called to order several times, Mr R. Stillwell, S.M., adjourned the proceedings for a week in order that Richards might produce further statements on his financial position. -“My defence is that I haven’t had the money to pay,” said Richards. During the last thirty-one weeks he had had only £47 15s 8d to live on. * Mr Watson began to cross-examine on moneys held on Richards’s behalf by various firms of solicitors.' “Ravening wolves,” was how Richards replied to one question. Mr Watson continued his cross-ex-amination, and was told by Richards, heatedly, that he was “an utter fool.” “Well, I can’t help it,” said Richards when the Magistrate rebuked him. Mr Watson * This man is not as mad as he makes out. These insults are deliberate and are a try-on. - Mr Stillwell: I’m not going to tolerate them. Richards: I’m being baited. The Magistrate told Richards that he would have to keep a hold on himself. “I’m sorry,” said Richards. The hearing proceeded quietly to its end.