A "MODEL" HUSBAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 4, 6 January 1922, Page 6

A "MODEL" HUSBAND.

TRIM- HIS WIFE'S HAT j AND GETS A TRIMMING. Maunsell William Henry Harding* wa* brought before the Police Court charged with breach of his prohibition license, when he was reveale- in no pretty light. The Rev. F. R. Jeffreys, Probation Officer, stated that Hardinge was convicted on July 17 of last year, in company with two others, of breaking and entering and theft. He was admitted to probation for two years, and ordered to make restitution. On account of complaints concerning him, witness visited Hardinge'a house and there found ample evidence concerning the man's drinking habits. Hardinge had been playing the fool with his probation. When placed on probation he was forbidden to further associate with his companions in crime, but one of those men had been visiting the house. It was absolutely essential that probationers should not associate with convicted thieves. This man had generally ignored the conditions of his probation and was of no use to his wife or his home. In fact he treated his opportunity with contempt. The Supreme Court expected that men given the splendid opportunity for reform offered by probation should make good, but thig man made no endeavour to go straight. As Probation Officer, therefore, he asked that in the intereste of the system, the man should be given at least a month's imprisonment. Hardinge would not work, but got drunk and went home and abused his wife in filthy language. Mr. Jeffreys then handed to the Bench a letter from Hardinge's wife, in which she complained of his drinking habits and conduct generally, A constable stated that he was called into Hardinge's house during the early hours of New Year's morning and found the man lying on the bed, drunk and fully dressed, with a bottle jof whisky in his pocket. Hardinge said he had been to a dance and In reply to further questions said he had not been working and did not intend to work. To the Bench, Hardinge said he had only been seeing the Old Year out and the New Year in and thought there was no harm in that. '"Drink is my downfall," he added, tearfully. "Mr. Jasper Calder says if you give mc another chance I will be all right. I will go away to the country, where I can get £6 a week. Mr. C.»-lder said he would pay my fare if I go away. I am not afraid of work."

Mr. Cutten, SJ_: When did you work last?— About a month ago. I was about to etart work when-- I was arrested.

How do you account for your wife writing about you as she does? —Oh, I understand women. We understand each other. I am not going to say what ehe does. I will take all the blame.

You won £16 at the races and did not take a penny home, but spent it all on drink, according to this letter. Is that so*—lt is a fib, sir.

What are the facts? —A cousin of mine gave mc the winning double. Did you take anything home?— Yes; I rigged out the little boy and got myself a pair of shoes. I got a pair of shoes for the wife, too.

Hardinge then made a rambling statement describing his alleged domestic virtues and what he had done for his wife in the way of washing the dishes, doing the housework and nursing her when she had ber last baby a month or so ago. The testimonial he gave himself was that of a model husband, excepting that he had sinned slightly in too fervently welcoming the New Year. "Why," he declared, triumphantly, in conclusion, "I even trimmed her hat for her—l am father and mother in one." (Laughter.) m Mr. Cutten, 8.M.: According to your wife you have been doing nothing -but drinking for a long time past and have refused to work.

Hardinge: I really pity the woman. She' does not know what ehe is doing writing that letter.

Mr. Cutten, S.M.: You will be convicted. The evidence as to the breach of your probation is quite clear. Reading your wife's letter, and having regard to the evidence, I think a term of imprisonment would be quite a good awakener. You are sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment with hard labour.

Hardinge went weeping into the prisoners' room.