JUDGE’S WARNING

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23947, 14 May 1943, Page 6

JUDGE’S WARNING

FRAUDS BY REPUTED WIVES OF SOLDIERS (P.A.) AUCKLAND, May 13. A public warning was issued in the Supreme Court to-day by Mr Justice Callan that if further cases came before him of fraud by women in respect of allowances granted them as reputed wives of soldiers he would impose imprisonment. This statement was made when Eveline Hewitt, aged 34, came up for sentence for false pretences. She was admitted to probation for four years, with a condition that she should make restitution of £146 by instalments of £1 weekly. Suppression of her name was refused. His Honour said a merciful provision had been introduced whereby not only the properly married wives of soldiers got a separation allowance, but also it was extended to their reputed wives. Accused had applied for and obtained such an allowance. His Honour said the woman was not of a criminal type, according to the information of the female probation officer, and this justified him in granting orobation, but he had to think of the effect on others. He said there must be a good many reputed wives’ allowances, and some of the women would doubtless forget the soldier overseas, find do as the accused did.