A CHOW'S WIFE.

NZ Truth, Issue 219, 4 September 1909, Page 6

A CHOW'S WIFE.

Sara Young's Hard Lot.

The trail of the yellow agony curse was over a maintenance case heard m Christchurch recently, . when a fat, wellfed Ohow named Sam Young was asked to explain why he shouldn't contribute towards the support of his demented white wife, Celia E. Russell, at present confined m a mental hospital. The Chinkie, who said he was a hawker, pleaded that he couldn't afford to pay up, and when* placed m the witness-box ignored the Holy Bible, but offered to blow out a match. The orderly was embarrassed—he didn't have one— and Magistrate Haselden, who probably knew it wouldn't make much difference, said he would hear the alien's story without swearing him. Sam then told the, Court that "sometime I earn poun 1 -week, sometime little ovet one poun', sometime nothin'." He had a shop m Madras-street, but got nothing out of it. In fact, Young's apparent poverty was pitiable. He was paying 12s 6d a week rent and IT WAS A HARD CHOP-STICK to handle. Moreover, he was 56 years of age, and had been four years m the Asylum. His Worship : How long have you been married ? — Sixteen years. Have you any children ? — Yes, boy and girl. Where are they? — They live at home and go to school. Who looks after them ? — I do, and my step-daughter. Sub-Inspector Mc^rath : How old is your step-daughter ?— Twentiy-tf vc. ■ And your own children '! — Daughter is twelve and son thirteen. Haven't you got another woman there '! —No. When did you bring your step-daught-er here, and send the other woman away ? Was it when you heard that proceedings were being taken against you V —I got no other woman. When did your step-daughter come ? — 1 She tliovc always.