MAINTENANCE PROBLEM.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 293, 11 December 1925, Page 5

MAINTENANCE PROBLEM.

» CLAIM BY WIFE. AFTER LONG SEPARATION. "In my time we could not do this — ■we had to pay someone else to look after the case," averred Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., when counsel for applicant in a maintenance case failed to appear, and the applicant, a woman, displayed reluctance to go on with her case. The respondent's solicitor said his client-had come from Waihi, and he thought the case should co on. Hie Worship concurred, and told the applicant to listen to what was said. Mr. Fitzherbert, for the respondent, stated that the latter had been porting his wife for eight years, despite the fact that he was not living with her. He admitted that nothing had been contributed during the past two years, but until then the husband had sent along £2 10/ weekly! He had been an assayer in a mine, but met with an accident, and was now employed only casually. Respondent further pointed out that he had kept up his payments for the benefit of the family, which had now grown up, and were in good positions. Mr. Hunt: Oh, yes, yes! But it ia Mβ duty to look after his wife. Mr. Fitzherbert: Yes; but under set circumstances. Mr. Hunt: All I have got to do is to find out how much he is earning, and what he can pay. Mr. Sullivan, who then appeared to' represent the applicant, asked the respondent why he had written his wife a threatening letter. Mr. Hunt: 'Well, that doesn't matter. Mr. Sullivan: Is it not true that you will not woj-k. so that you will not have to give your wife anything? Respondent: Why, I paid her £2 10/ for six years: < Mr. Sullivan: The simple issue is that he won't pay. Mr. Hunt: The simple issue is what can he pay? Mr. Sullivan pressed the respondent to state what he was prepared to pay. "I am willing to pontribute from anything I earn," was the reply. ' "Can you pay 10/?" asked his Worship. "I don't think I should be forced to pay, though I am perfectly willing to do so when I have the money." At Mr. Hunt's suggestion, the case was adjourned for three months, to see how the husband's fortunes fared.