WIFE COMES FIRST.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 February 1923, Page 5

WIFE COMES FIRST.

HUSBAND’S NEGLECT CORRECTED MAINTENANCE INCREASED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Howard Nattrass, a motor dealer, was proceeded against by his wife in the Magistrate's Court to-day for separation. maintenance and guardianship or< dors. 1 I otinsel for plaintiff said the parties had been living apart. Separation was arranged in 1919, following on a case in which Nattrass was defendant in an action for seduction, and £2O a month maintenance was paid for some time, but this ceaaed early in 1921. In April, 1922, fresh deeds were arranged, whereby plaintiff was to receive certain benefit from a patent which defendant sent to America to exploit. Payments were made till November, but they then ceased. Defendant returned to’Now Zealand at the new year and plaintiff commenced, proceedings to recover maintenance. Last Friday the syndicate with which' defendant was connected paid up. the maintenance due under the deed, after being threatened with legal Counsel said defendant had a large numt her of valuable shares in the patent, yeti the maintenance had been reduced frott| C2O to £lO monthly. Defendant, in evidence, said he had always been willing to maintain his wife and he explained his financial posi« iion. He denied he was keeping a yourtg woman who was concerned in formed proceedings. Mr. Watson (counsel for plaintiff asked: “Where is she?” ■ • Defendant: “She is living with mj[ sister.’’ “You were deported from Amerfcaj weren’t you?” “That’s a lie. I might make you prord what you say.” “Were you not arrested and sent oveti from the other side?” “It’s a lie.” “You were onee convicted in this court, as a. rogue and a vagabond, weren’t; you?” | “That’s another lie. You have. gob your knjfe into me and you are only throwing mud.” “Don’t talk to me like that. I say that you were convicted in this court for being a rogue and a vagabond.” “And I soy that it is a lie.” Further similar cross-examination followed, and the magistrate interjected! “This man is quite capable of earning his living and it is his duty to look after hia wife and child before ho lookft after any other lady. I order that he pays £3 per week for his wife and £1 for his child.’’ There was further discussion on tha question of security and the decision on. thia point was held over for one month, defendant in tho meantime to make an advance payment of £l6.