WIFE DESERTERS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13378, 20 March 1909, Page 6

WIFE DESERTERS.

(PKESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) DUNEDIN, March 19. Dr. Findlay was interviewed by the Benevolent Trustees, who propounded a scheme for the confusion of wife deserters. They proposed that a reciprocal arrangement be made with Australia, whereby a deserter from New Zealand could" bo brought before the Courts there and be dealt with for contempt of the order, the fact of an order being made being prima facie evidence of everything but identification nnd' ability to pay. This scheme would save much expense in bringing back deserters. They pointed out, too, that .when Government money was spent in bringing men h_ck very often tho wife was instrumental in nullifying: everything by withdrawing from the proceedings and getting her husband freed.

Dr. Findlay promised to look into the scheme, which he generally approved. He believed that wife desertion should l be a criminal offence, and he would communicate with the Commissioner of Police. Reference was also made to another important matter— helping to trace men who left their aged fathers and mothers destitute.

A third point raised was whether any surplus earned by prisoners cculd not go to the wives and families.

The Minister pointed out that there was no surplus in any gaol. Auckland was the nearest, and' there tho cost of keep over work done by prisoners was £10 a year. Such a scheme would involve a radical change in the prison system. The main suggestion of an arrangement with Australia would receive his careful consideration.