"NEW TO HIM"

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 21, 25 July 1934, Page 16

"NEW TO HIM"

NOVEL MAINTENANCE CASE

HUSBAND SUES WIFE

Described by Mr. J. G. L. Hewitt, S.M., as a case quite new to him, proceedings were taken in tho Petone Court today by a man against his wife for the maintenance of a child that was living with him. Mr. A. R. Grimwood appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. D. M. Dickson for the defendant. The plaintiff in his evidence stated that he was a blacksmith, and had now been on relief for tho last three years, and his wage there was 22s 6d a week. His wife had left him of her own accord about two and a half years ago, and since then she had twice instituted proceedings for separation against him, but each time the case had been dismissed. Ho had three boys at home, their ages being 22, 16, and 14, and he was suing his wife for tho maintenance of the youngest child. His wife was earning £1 13s 6d a week as a second cook, and had board given to her. In reply to a question by Mr. Dickson, the plaintiff admitted that the last time the defendant sued for separation she asked for the custody of the youngest child. In dismissing . the application, the Magistrate said that ths father was liable for the maintenance of the child. He was not bound to keep the other two boys at home, and his wage of 22s 6d was the allowance for a married man with one child. Besides this, the wife had requested the custody of the youngest child. In all his experience he had nevei* heard a case like this.