DESERTING HUSBANDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3755, 2 March 1926, Page 80

DESERTING HUSBANDS.

MAINTENANCE OF FAMILIES GOVERNMENT DREED TO TAKE ACTION. At the conference of the New Zealand Hospital Boards on Thursday the following remit was submitted by the South Canterbury Board: “That the Government be urged to provide an institution where deserting husbands could be employed on productive works, and thus help to maintain their wives and families.” The Rev Mr Potts, who spoke to the remit, said that the money at present spent in charitable aid and in assisting the wives and dependents of deserting husbands and wasters, could be more profitably invested in establishing 3uch an Institution as that mentioned in the remit. Airs Herbert (Christchurch) seconded the remit which was also supported by Air Petherick Palmerston North), who stated that he was satisfied they were not getting the benefit of the legislation covering this matter. Tlie magistrates did not appear to appreciate the situation to the same de gree as those who were concerned in social welfare work. He would like to have the magistrates occupying a seat on one of the social welfare committees so that the> could more fully realise the jiosition. Ho moved the following amendment:— “That this conference urges upon the Department ot Justice the need for a stricter administration of the existing legislation dealing with deserting hu> bands jnd calls upon the Government to defray the cost of returning such deserters to the Dominion.” Mr A. S. Laird (Taumarunui) suggested that the amendment be dealt with separately from the remit. The Rev. Mr Potts said that ho was as much in sympathy with the amendment as with the original remit, and would suggest that it be taken as a separate motion. This was agreed to, and both motions were carried.