HOUSE SEIZED

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 September 1934, Page 2

HOUSE SEIZED

UNEMPLOYED FATHER’S CLAIM. [PEB PHISB ASSOCIATION.! AUCKLAND, September 14. An unusual case was heard at the Magistrate’s Court, when a young Englishman, Walter Woods, pleaded guilty to being unlawfully on .premises. The police said a house was vacated on August 10 by a. tenant, and Woods, with his wife and two young children, took possession without authority. Despite efforts by the officers of the State Advances Department and police, they refused to move. Defendant said that he had been unemployed for two years, and was recently on sustenance. He had either to pay rent or starve. He was unable to get a house, and as he had to I look after his family, he moved into the vacant one. “I think there is a moral law that comes before other Jaws,” he said. “Even the animals know it, and protect their young.” The Magistrate said he supposed the defendant thought it all right to take possession of a State house. Defendant: No. The question is who can afford it most. Besides, the ether landlord treated me well. Tho Magistrate said the defendant was really in the position of a burglar. He adjourned the case till Friday. “If you are still in occupation then,” he remarked, “I am afraid I must punish you.”

It was stated by defendant that he had written to Mr. Coates, who had .premised an investigation.