SOLD TO A MAORI

Feilding Star, Volume 2, Issue 318, 23 August 1924, Page 5

SOLD TO A MAORI

AN EXTRAORD'INAiRY CASE

WiIFE. CLAIMS MAINTENANCE

(Piir Prvifcs Association** Auckland, Aug. -2-2.

''This is a most -extraordinary case," said Mr Hunt, S.M., in delivering reserved judgment in the Magistrate's Court in. respect of an application for a maintenance order made by Elizabeth Jane Barnes against her husband, William James Dix Barnes. The. Magistrate said that in August, 1920, an arrangement was made by which defendant surrendered his wife to a Maori. The Maori paid, and defendant left the house. Some days later -he returned and resumed co-habitation with' his wife, and the Maori left. The parties then went to Wellington, where complainant gave birth to a half-caste child, which was taken by the Salvation Army. In October. 1922 complainant left her husband and took possession of the child. In February, 1023, she obtained a ance order against the Maori, lint very little had been paid under it* Since complainant left -her husband she has maintained herself and child, hut is now in. ill-health and is in receipt of charitable aid. The husband was witling to provide a. home Tor eomplainant on condition that she 'does not keep the child. The woman 'however, refused to-part with the child. Mr Hunt added: 'T am of the opinion that the wife's refusal is reasonable. The husband bartered her a way to a Maori and connived at.her adultery. He should not he cruel enough to separate her from the child of whom she is so fond. Her health is bad, and she cannot perform household duties." The defendant was ordered to pay maintenance at the rate of 2os a I week.