CALLED TO ORDER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 126, 30 May 1934, Page 19

CALLED TO ORDER.

FORMER PROFESSOR'S CASE

ARREARS OF MAINTENANCE.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Tuesday.

David James Richards, a former university professor, appeared in the Magistrate's Court to-day cliargcd with being in arrears of maintenance in rcspect of his wife and child. After an hour's hearing, during which Richards had to bo called to order several times, Mr. W. F. Stilwell, S.M., adjourned proceedings for a week, in order that Richards might produce further statements 011 his financial position. "My defence is that I haven't had the money to pay," said Richards. He added that during tho last 31 weeks ho had only £47 15/S to live on. Sir. Watson, who appeared for defendant's wife, began to cross-examine 011 moneys held on Richards' behalf by various firms of solicitors. "Ravening wolves," was how Richards replied to one question. Mr. Watson continued his cross-exam-ination 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 mail is not as mad as he makes out. These insults are deliberate, and are a try-on. Mr. Stilwell: I'm not going to tolerate them. Richards: I'm being baited. The magistrate told Richards that he would have to keep hold on himself. "I'm sorry," said Richards, and the hearing proceeded quietly to the end.