MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 106, 1 April 1930, Page 2

MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ACTION FOR MAINTENANCE. Five brothers appeared beforo Mr J. L. Stout, S.M., in - tho Magistrate’s Court yesterday to answer proceedings instituted requiring them to contribute towards tho support of their mothor, Agnes Amelia Jensen, of Palmerston North. Defendants were Harold William Jensen, Herbert Rasmus Jensen, Charles Henry Jensen (Longburn), Alfred Peter Jensen and Ernest Christenson Jensen (Kelvin Grove). They stated that the estate of their father, which was to provide, the funds, was at present under administration. “This seems to bo a family matter,” commented His Worship. “You had better get together and discuss it.” Mr Cooper, who appeared for complainant, stated that under tho terms of tho will she was to havo received 30s per week and a free houso. Sho had never received tho latter, while tho maintenance payments were in arrears. The estate was in tho hands of two trustees, Charles Henry Jensen and George Clareneo Jensen, tho latter of whom had not been served. The Magistrate: Is tho estate worth anything ? Mr Cooper: I understand that it is worth a considerable sum. Mr Cooper added that negotiations had been in progress for some time for the transfer of the duties of trusteeship, but difficulties had arisen. In the meantime complainant had nothing on which to exist. There was no reason why she should bo allowed to continue in want. Tho Magistrate: Tho sons should support her. Tho State cannot do it and tho Public Trustee cannot do it. Charles Henry Jensen, one of tho trustees, pointed out that there were two large claims against tho estate, and they exceeded the amount available. Tho Magistrate: Why don’t you transfer the matter to the Public Trustee and give him all particulars ? When application is made to the court you will all havo to pay for your mother’s maintenance. It jneans tnat if the estate goes into bankruptcy you will each have to contribute .your, share. Defendants pressed tho point that thcro were two large claims against the estate. Tho Magistrate: Well, you pay out to your mother first- and let the others whistle. Your mother has first claim. You boys surely do not want a court order against you for payment. I will adjourn this case for ono week to seo if you cannot get together and make arrangements to support your mother. DRUNKENNESS CHARGES. Having Seen locked up since 3 p.m. on Saturday, John Kinley, of Foxton, a second offender for drunkenness, was fined 10s, in default 48 hours’ imprisonment. He was allowed a i»eck in which to pay. Coming into town after a spell in the country, and not having touched drink for a year, Jack Smith, a bricklayer, aged 53, was arrested on Saturday on charges of drunkenness and of committing an offence in the Square gardens. Mr G. Tremaine appeared for him and spoke in mitigation of the charges. He was fined 5s on the first and £1 on the latter charge, in default threo days’ imprisonment. SEPARATION ORDER GRANTED. An order for separation was granted Elizabeth Cole, against Frederick Cole, of Perth, Western Australia. Complainant stated that her husband had failed to maintain her adequately and had deserted her many years ago. ACCUSED REMANDED. “This man is wanted at Napier and is wanted here, while there is a warrant of committal awaiting him,” stated Sergeant Hill when Thomas Henry Simpkiss was charged with the theft of a comb, valued at Is, the property of Claude Edwards, at Bulls, on Saturday. He pleaded guilty, saying that he was under the influence of drink and had no intention of taking the article. On the application of Sergeant Hill, accused was remanded for a week.