CUSTODY OF SON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23930, 4 October 1939, Page 2

CUSTODY OF SON

FATHER'S APPLICATION GRANTED BOY'S WELFARE PRIMARY CONCERN CPeb United Press Association; CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 3. To obtain the custody of a 10-year-old son, a father applied to Mr Justice Northcroft in the Supreme Court today for a writ of habeas corpus, which was granted, the mother not appearing. The applicant was George Falconer, who asked that his wife, Helen Christie Falconer, produce the boy, and the judge ordered his production in court on Friday. The parties had been separated, counsel said, and up to 1935 the father had reasonable access to his son. Later the mother restricted Falconer's access and the father obtained an order giving him access on Sundays. The mother defied the order, and the magistrate suspended maintenance until the order was complied with. The father, however, continued to pav maintenance, despite not seeing his son. Now, however, the father was perturbed at the tone of letters from the boy, and wished to send him to a hoarding school. His Honor said a very strong prima facie case had been presented, but ne wished to hear the other side, as the welfare of the boy was the primary concern.