Quicker Action Urged On Maintenance Defaulters

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29766, 8 March 1962, Page 2

Quicker Action Urged On Maintenance Defaulters

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON. March 7. The Federation of New Zealand Justices' Associations unanimously agreed at its annual conference in Wellington today to ask the Zealand Justices’ Associagate the position of maintenance defaulters with a view to having them prosecuted at an earlier date. This was in order that maintenance officers in the courts could collect arrears of maintenance before they became too onerous and beyond the capacity of the defaulters to pay. It would also have the object of reducing the charges on the social security Department’s funds for the maintenance of women and children who were left destitute, stated a remit from Waikato. Mr E. A. Butt, of Waikato, pointed out that when a maintenance order was issued by the court, notice was required to be given to the defendant stating what the

order was and calling on him to comply with its terms. The notice was often regarded as a warning to the defaulter to change his address and employment, especially if an order were made on his wages. In the case of default a summons was issued and a long time frequently elapsed before it was delivered or a warrant for arrest was executed. Arrears accumulated and by the time the defaulter was eventually apprehended the amout due was so large that it was impossible for him to pay what was owing.

In the meantime, the Social Security Department was called upon to find the maintenance of the wife and children who might have become destitute and an added burden was placed on the general taxpayer. If more prompt action could be devised for compliance with the order much public money could be saved, the remit stated.