“THE MORAL LAW”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22368, 15 September 1934, Page 5

“THE MORAL LAW”

AN UNUSUAL PLEA UNLAWFUL OCCUPATION OF PREMISES. ’ ■ : ■■■ . . ( . (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, September 14. An unusual Case was heard in th« Magistrate’s Court when a young Englishman, Walter Woods, pleaded guilty to a charge of being unlawfully on premises. The police said the house was vacated on August 10 by a tenant, ahd Woods with his wife and two young children took possession without authority. Despite efforts by officers of the State' Advances Department and the police, they refused to move. ; . ■ The defendant said he had been unemployed for two years and was" recently on sustenance, fie had either to pay a rent or starve. He was unable to get a house and, as he had to look after his family, he moved into a vacant one. “ I think there is a moral Taw that comes before other laws,” he said. “ Even the animals know it and protect their young.” The .magistrate said he. Supposed the defendant ‘ thought it was Jail .right to take possession a State house. The defendant: No. The question ia, who can afford it most"’? Besides,' the other landlord treated me well. The magistrate said the defendant was really in the position of a burglar. He adjourned the case till Friday. “If yon arc still in occupation then,” he ' remarked, “ I am afraid I must punish ■you.” -J J. "... i rM

It was stated by the defendant that he had written to Mr CoateS, who had promised an investigation.