DESERTED WIVES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18563, 25 May 1922, Page 2

DESERTED WIVES

PROBLEM OF THE “WASTER.” COMPULSORY WORK PROPOSED. (Pm United Pbms Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, May 24. At to-day’s meeting of the North Canterbury Hospital Board, Mrs A. R Herbert moved that the Minister in Charge of Prisons be urged to amend the existing legislation so as to provide that persistent defaulters in the matter of maintenance orders shall bo employed on some form of remunerative work, and their applied to the maintenance of their families, and that the other hospital boards be asked to co-operate in endeavouring to bring about immediate reform in the matter. Mrs Herbert said that the condition of many of these deserted wives was deplorable. They received no maintenance from any source except from the Benevolent Committee. In two homes she visited this week the husband had pawned the blankets and other articles in order to buy drink, and as a result the children were shivering with cold. Dr P. C. Fenwiok seconded the motion. Mr H. J- Horrell said that last month the committee dealt with cases of 29 deserted wives. It was absolutely necessary if the men were committed to gaol that they should be given some employment so that the money earned could go to their wives and children. Mr A. T. Smith said that there should be a farm colony for these useless wasters, run something after the style of the Continental institutions. There, when the man worked his scale of diet was improved.- It might be news to members of the board, but he could tell them there were fourth generations in receipt of charity. It had run in the family. The motion was carried