BLOOD TESTS PROPOSED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21972, 1 December 1934, Page 16

BLOOD TESTS PROPOSED

AFFILIATION HEARING MAGISTRATE'S SUGGESTION Comment that it would bo better to hare blood-tests carried out to assist the Court was made by Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court yesterday during the hearing of an affiliation case. Complainant was Margaret Johnstone, single, aged 24 (Mr. Aekins), who sought affiliation and maintenance orders against Mark Smith, an elderly man (Mr. Dickson). Evidence was given by complainant that she had known defendant in Wellington. The child, a girl, was born on May 18, ID.'SO. At this stage the magistrate was informed by Mr. Ackins that the child was in Court. "We allege that the child is half CI) inese," commented Mr. Dickson. Mr. Aekins said he was aware that was to he the defence. Complainant said that in September. 1930, she took £IOO as settlement from defendant, who had not denied paternity until the present proceedings had been instituted. The magistrate, after seeing the child, said he thought it advisable to have a blood-test carried out. Complainant refused and commented that she would want to have a doctor present. The magistrate said there would be no difficulty in that connection. It was suggested that there should bo three doctors for the test. Cross-examined, complainant said she was positive defendant was the father of the child. She reiterated her refusal to submit to a blood-test, and said sho hail had such tests before, and did not like them.

After the hearing had proceeded further, the magistrate said he would like a little time to think the matter over. The case was adjourned until Tuesday.