ACTION OVER CHILD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18584, 17 December 1923, Page 11

ACTION OVER CHILD.

A MOTHER IN TEARS.

COURT'S ORDER DISOBEYED.

OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLY.

Sobbing quietly, a married woman, Annie Wheeler (Mr. Matthews), appeared before Mr. Justice Reed in the Supreme Court on Saturday to explain why she had neglected to comply with an order of 'the Court to produce her ten year-old daughter. . The order was obtained recently by her husband, Thomas Wheeler (Mr. West), carpenter, of Auckland. Mr. West said the mother had taken the child to Christchurch last Februry without the father's consent. When he obtained the Court's order, the mother arrived by herself, leaving the child, he understood, in the care of her brother in Christohurch. Her solicitors had been informed that money would be provided by the father, if necessary, to bring the mother and child to Auckland, but she arrived alone. He therefore asked that the writ of habeas corpus do issue. When asked why she had taken the child away, Mrs. Wheeler replied, amid tears i "I took her away because her little nerves are shattered and so are mine. The things her father has done in front of her are not fit for any child to see." Mr. Matthews said lie believed the woman was forced to take the step slit* took. The girl was with the matron of ft home in Christehuirch and was reported to be in a delicate state of health. Mrs. Wheeler's solicitors in Christchurch had wired to state that while the relations in Christchurch were willing to surrender the child, they asked that expenses be defrayed or an escort provided for her. The mother had received no maintenance money from her husband for twelve months. His Honor: Why did she not bring the child when she came? .. Mr. Matthews : There was no one to maintain the girl. It was purely a question of money. He added that the mother was quite prepared to go and bring the child forthwith. Mr. " West said the father must have a chance of seeing his child. He was prepared to pay £10 travelling expenses, although Mrs. Wheeler was not altogether without money. His Honor said he would set. the case down for hearing again next Friday. Mrs. Wheeler should understand he would have no nonsense about the matter. The child •was to be brought to Auckland.