LUXURIES FOR WIFE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 102, 2 May 1930, Page 5

LUXURIES FOR WIFE.

WELLINGTON WATERSIDER. ILL HEAI.TH IN QUESTION. .ORDERED TO DISCHARGE DEBT. (By Telegraph. —Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, this day. A house wliicu was described as a morgue, and an invalid wife, were the reasons advanced by a waterside worker for getting into debt when he appeared before Mr~ McNeil, S.M., yesterday on a judgment summons for £20 17/. Defendant said his average earnings were about £5 per week. He paid £2 5/ rent. . "I took the house on the condition that it was warm and dry/' lie said. Counsel: Was it? Defendant (emphatically): No. We were frozen out, blown out and washed out. It is not a house, it is a morgue. The Magistrate: How many children have you. Defendant: None. I have an invalid wife. I consider that is enough for me. All my money goes in food. Magistrate: Does it cost you anything for medical attention? Defendant: My wife is almost incurable. She was in a sanatorium last year. "You get someone in to help?"' "Yes, and that all costs money." "Your 3 seems to be a very hard case, , ' remarked the magistrate, "but I think you should be able to pay a small amount. You are in a very unfortunate position, but you have been in regular work." Counsel for the creditor said if the defendant could afford to buy luxuries for his wife he could, afford to pay his bills. Defendant: Good gracious! What's the difference between mutton and fowl ? That is all the poor girl can eat. The magistrate said it was the rtutv of defendant to provide luxuries for his wife if sfcs was ill. Defendant was ordered to discharge the debt at the rate of £1 a , month.