PROFESSOR RICHARDS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 33, 2 November 1934, Page 8

PROFESSOR RICHARDS

Penalty For Contempt of Court WARNINGS NOT HEEDED David Janies Richards, ex-Professor of Otago University, against whom maintenance proceedings in respect of Ids wife and child have frequently been heard in the Magistrate's Court, made another appearance before Mr. 13. Page, S.M., in Welllington yesterday, and after being called to order several times for making wild outbursts, was, at the magistrate's request, placed under arrest for contempt of court. Richards faced two charges of being in arrears of maintenance to September ‘J amounting to £24. When asked how lie pleaded to the charge, be volubly protested that the amounts had been paid, and proceeded to launch a tirade of abuse against Ids wife. He was censured by the magistrate, who said: “Unless you behave yourself I am. going to punish you for contempt of court." Mr. R. Hardie Boys, for the wife, said that Mr. W. F. Stilwell, S.M., on August 3 had given a decision suspending the arrears for three months, and reducing the amount payable under the orders to a total of £4 a week. Since those orders became current, £G4 had fallen due to last Monday, and until yesterday only £24 had been paid. That constituted, disobedience. A summons had been issued ip September, but service of it could not be effected because Richards would not reveal his whereabouts, and it was necessary to apply for a warrant for his apprehension, which was executed on Wednesday. Shortly after the execution of the warrant £l(i bad been paid, which represented the balance of the amount for which the warrant had been executed. At. the moment, therefore, no money was owing in respect to the information, but the offence was complete at the time the defendant failed to pay the money. Counsel submitted that Richards should disclose his whereabouts, and also said it was not proper that the wife should have to issue proceedings unless defendant was held responsible for the costs. "There is no disobedience; the money was not. available,”; shouted Richards. "Yesterday,” he said, “I was kept in jail, and the Minister of Justice ordered my release.” .

“Good God, man, what are'you talking about?” lie interrupted Mr, Boys at a later stage. Mr. Page: I want you to understand quite clearly I am not going to have this court turned into a bear-garden. If you interrupt once more I am going to act. After a further' outburst by Richards against his wife, thQ magistrate said: “Constable, just take him in formal custody.” “I am placing you under arrest,” he said to Richards. lu ’the witness-box Richards said he wag arrested on Wednesday morning, mid the money whs paid before the warrant was issued. His income, he fuilch which was mostly derived from mortgages, came In irregularly, and ■ that was the reason for the irregular maintenance payments. He was heavily in debt at the present time, and had practically nothing for himself. He could not understand why lie was not brought before the court on Wednesday afternoon instead' of being locked up all day and night. It. was an ini justice. He had communicated with the Minister of Justice, who ordered that Richards should be brought before the court on Wednesday afternoon, and also that he should be released by the police. “Where are you living now?” asked Mr. Boys.

“I am living in Wellington,” Richarde replied. “I have no permanent address. I live where I please and Shall continue to do so.” He protested that he was paying too much ip maintenance. - ,■ ' “It seems clear to me that there has been wilful default,” said the inaglstrate. On each of-the charges he sentenced Richards to one month’s imprisonment, saying he would direct his release on payment of the arrears up to date. “I gave Richards several warnings and propose to fine him £lO in default 14 days’ Imprisonment for contempt of court,” Mr. Page said. Gesticulating, the professor was removed by two constables from the dock, shouting: “It’s a shame; a damff swindle, that’s what it is.” ,