ARREARS OF MAINTENANCE

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 8 May 1934, Page 5

ARREARS OF MAINTENANCE

RETIRED PROFESSOR CONVICTED ORDERED TO LEAVE COURT (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, May 7. David James Richards, aged 54, a retired professor, entertained a crowded court to-day when he came before Mr Stilwell, S.M., on two charges of being in arrears of maintenance, one in respect to his wife, and another relating to his child. Replying to allegations that he owed £l2 for lus wife’s maintenance and £3 for his child’s maintenance, he stated lie had been a victim of the “sharp practice” of a Wellington firm of solicitors.

“The position is this,” said Mir Stilwell, “tliat you have had money in your savings bank account, and for reasons you deem fit you have paid it to solicitors and other sources, but you have to remember that there is an order of the court in respect to the maintenance of your wife and child.” “I would have to pay my legal debts even if she were living with me; I’m not going bankrupt for this woman, or anybody else,” replied Richards. The magistrate advised Richards to bring on an application for the variation of the maintenance order if he felt justified. He convicted Richards on both charges, and on the one relating to the wife he sentenced him to one month’s imprisonment, to be released on payment of £l2. Oh the charge relating to the child he imposed a sentence of ten days’ imprisonment, to be released on payment of £3. The sentences were tx> be concurrent. “Fifteen poundsP” exclaimed Rlichaids. “How can I do it? I haven’t got .it.” Counsel for the wife began to address Mr Stilwell on the question of arrears when he was interrupted by Richards. “Send him out,” directed the magistrate, and Richards 1 was piloted outside by a court orderly. “This man is labouring under a sense of very great injustice; most of it imaginary, no doubt,” commented the magistrate.