THE DEFAULTING HUSBAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14587, 25 January 1911, Page 8

THE DEFAULTING HUSBAND.

RECIPROCITY WITH AUSTRALIA.

[BY TELEGRAPH.PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

DTOJBDIN, Tuesday. The Attorney-General (Hon. Dr. Findlay) was questioned this evening in reference to tho statement of Mr. Holman (AttorneyGeneral for New South Wales) that he hoped as a result of conversations -with Dr. Findkiy, to establish reciprocity regarding defaulting husbands. Dr. Findlay stated that lie had discussed the matter with Mr. Holman when he was in New Zealand, and ho had readily expressed a willingness to endeavour to have the reciprocal legislation contemplated by the New Zealand Destitute Persons Act, placed upon the New South Wales Statute Book. The provisions of our Act at present wore wholly in favour of the Australian States. They provided that husbands deserting their wives in Australia and coining to New, Zealand could be proceeded against hero upon a certificate ol judgment obtained by the wife in one or other of the Australian Courts. This would enable a deserted wife in New South. Wales to '. take proceedings there against her husband, who had deserted her and come to New Zealand. She could obtain an order against him there without trouble or expense, and the order would then be sent over and filed' jn one of the Courts here, and be made the basis of a judgment against the defaulting husband in New Zealand unless he could show that it should not have been made in New South Wales. ■•;• .-■■■..

We nut that on our Statute Book,'' said Dr."Findlay, "with the view to reciprocal provisions being placed on the Statute Book in all the Australian States, and I have already reason to believe that these reciprocal provisions will be made at the earliest convenient time. Mr. Holman readily approved of our law."