SUPPORT OF MOTHER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 102, 2 May 1930, Page 9

SUPPORT OF MOTHER.

FARMER SUED BY BROTHER. 'I WON'T MIX WITH THAT MOB' . HAS NOT SPOKEN FOR YEARS. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON, this day. One brother brought an action to-day to compel another brother to contribute towards the maintenance of their aged invalid mother. The brother who sued was Richard Levis, farmer, of Newstcad, and the defendant was George Adam Levis, farmer, of the same place. _ The mother, who lives at Manurcwa, is 70 years of age and is a chronic invalid. Mr. Noel Johnson, who represented plaintiff, said that in October last the father died. The mother was left with three married sons, three married daughters and one unmarried daughter. She was now being looked after by the unmarried daughter in the house, wlrich she occupied rent' free from her son James, of Auckland. The complainant, Richard Levis, counsel said, for a long time prior to hie father's death sent the- mother 5/ per week. After the death he increased the contribution to 10/ and also paid the funeral expenses, amounting to £29, and medical expenses, totalling £8. The brother George had contributed nothing to these expenses, nor to his mother's support, despite the fact that he was the sole beneficiary under the father's will, under which lie got over £300 from an insurance policy. Three married daughters each contributed 2/6. Counsel said the defendant was of a peculiar disposition and appeared to have quarrelled with the rest of the family. He had not spoken to plaintiff, who was his neighbour, for many years, and he had not spoken to his mother for about eitrht years. At the funeral, of the father when all were assembled, counsel said, his brother James suggested to defendant that he should speak to his mother. His reply was, "I won't mix with that .mob!" After hearing evidence, his Worship said that as he had not the power to make an order for past maintenance, he would make an order for present maintenance of 15/ per week.