LOVE THAT LASTS

Evening Star, Issue 19550, 7 May 1927, Page 9

LOVE THAT LASTS

PATHETIC SCENE IN COURT FATHER SUES SON FOR MAINTENANCE WON'T SEE WIFE CROSS-EXAMINED [E*b United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, May 6. A case commenced in the Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday before Mr J. H. Salmon, S.M., in which John Snell (aged_ 72) sued his son, Joseph Snell, who is in charge of the mortgage department of the Public Trust Office, and is getting a salary of £565 a year, for maintenance. It took a sensational turn to-day. Defendant gave evidence, stating that his father was kindly treated by the family. He (defendant) refused to give the requested £1 a week maintenance, as he thought his father living alone was a reflection on the family. Defendant said he was willing that his father should go to a home (public or private). He would contribute to his support. Ho denied that his father had expended any money on him (directly or indirectly) since he (defendant) was thirteen years old. Under cross-examinatipn, defendant admitted that he had never given his father a shilling in his life, and defendant was now forty-four. Plaintiff’s wife, Lenora Snell, aged 74, was next called. She said that, but for the differences usual in matrimony, she had had happy times with her husband, and that if he came back homo he would be treated kindly. Plaintiff’s counsel rose to crossexamine. Plaintiff pleaded with him not to ask her any questions, saying bo would ratlier lose the case than that she should have to undergo the further ordeal of giving evidence against him. Suddenly ho rose to his feet, and rushed towards his son with clenched fist and tears streaming down his face, asking the son how dare he bring his (plaintiff’s) wife to court, the woman ho loved best in the world.

Both counsel laid restraining hands ou the old man, and the wife had to be assisted from the court almost in a’ state of collapse. Tho magistrate intervened. Ho said the case had gone far enough—too far, in fact—and he asked counsel to see him in his room and talk tho matter over. Decision will ho given to-day.