LAW AND POLICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 5459, 2 September 1889, Page 3

LAW AND POLIC E.

POLICE COURT.— Saturday. [Before Dr. Giles, K.M.]

Failing to Support. — Arthur Wind us was charged with having failed to provide adequate means of support for his six children. Mr. Sbrathern conducted the case on behalf of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, the informants. Constable O'Brien deposed that he had visited the house in which defendant's family lived, in Russell-street., Archhill. The house was in a filthy state. The eldest girl said that her father was out of work, and her mother had left them ; that she had to do all the washing mid cooking. Three of the children went to the Kindergarten, and got food and clothing. Defendant told witness that lie had done all he could for the children. He said that stonebreaking would nob suit him ; he was a painter and paperlianger by trade, and stonebreaking would spoil his hands. Mr. Strathern deposed that defendant had promised to' take work, but had never applied for it. Rations were supplied to the children on condition that the defendant got none of the food. Defendant's wife was now living with her father, and she had told witness that she was afraid of her husband, who had threatened her, and by his intimidation had compelled her to leave service. Defendant hnd refused stonebreaking on throe occasions, whilst he had applied for relief four times. Dr. Giles said it was evident that defendant would not work. Men in his circumstances should do whatever work they could get, and he considered this a very gross case. Defendant had rendered himself liable to six months' imprisonment. His Worship said that he would be more lenient, and he sentenced defendant to one month's imprisonment, with hard labour. He also made an order that when defendant was released from gaol he should pay 2s 6d per week for the support of tyis children. James Green was charged with having disobeyed an order that he should provide means of support for his family. Mr. .Madden appeared lev the defendant. As the evidence showed that Green's earnings during the last eight months had been very small, His Worship did not make an order, nnd he also cancelled that which had been in existence.