DEFAULTING HUSBANDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19144, 9 October 1925, Page 10

DEFAULTING HUSBANDS.

WAGES WHILE IN PRISON. HARDSHIPS OF FAMILIES. One of the most perplexing and troublesome problems social workers have to face is that of the defaulting hnsband. If he cannot be traced the care of his wife and family becomes a charge on the community. If he is brought to book and put in gaol, his family suffers, as he is paid no wages for his work unless his sentence is longer than three months. The matter was discussed at yesterday's meeting of the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society. It was introduced in the report of the secretary, the Rev. E. :C. Budd. " We regret to see the large number of men serving sentences of imprisonment in default of maintenance of wife and family," he stated. " Necessarily, the longer the sentence the greater the default. It should be possible to provide for these men to earn wages while in prison, the money to be paid to the families in need." Quoting from the last report of the Prisons Board, Archbishop Averiil stated that last year approximately £7OOO was paid for the maintenance of families, and £4OOO to prisoners themselves, on their discharge or while released on probation. Speaking from long persona! experience of cases of this nature, Sister Hannah put forward the view that a sharp sentence, say, 12 months, would probably stem the tide of defaulters. There had been a tremendous increase in their numbers during the last few years, and a term under three months seemed to be quite inadequate as a deterrent. " Twelve months wouid be all right," said the archbishop, " provided the wages went to the families. But why should they not be paid from the first, instead of payment being made only after three months ?" Mr. Budd said he had discussed the matter with the late Mr. C. E. Matthews, controller of prisons, who had been afraid that the whole system would break down under the heavy cost if this course were adopted. The committee was of opinion that no action could be taken at present. " The whole condition of married life nowadays is a problem," added one member, with a sigh.