WHEN THE WIFE IS SUED

Taranaki Daily News, 26 April 1930, Page 8

WHEN THE WIFE IS SUED

HUSBAND’S LIABILITY

CHANGE OF LAW ADVOCATED

WOMAN OPPOSES PROPOSAL.

By Telegraph.—Press Association

Auckland, April 24. A remit that legislation should bo passed abolishing the liability of a husband for his wife’s torts was carried by the legal conference to-day. Mr. F. L. G. West (Auckland) said the purpose of the remit was to provide that the husband need not be involved in any law proceedings against his wife. The present legislation was not sufficiently clear on the point, and a husband might be sued for heavy damages and a decision might be obtained against him in circumstances which caused serious, injustice. “I hope that within a reasonable time this change of attitude may find expression in the statutes of the country,” said Mr. A. H. Johnstone in seconding the remit. The opposite view was taken by Miss Ellen Melville, who said many wives were entirely without separate estate and an action for damages against the wife might fail for that reason. If husbands were absolved from responsibility for the acts of their wives a plaintiff in court proceedings would have no remedy in many cases, and in view of the number of women drivers of motor-cars this would give rise "to .a serious position. The conference carried a resolution expressing the opinion that -action should be taken to secure better protection for mortgagees under insurance policies and requesting the Council of the -New Zealand Law. Society to negotiate with insurance companies for the purpose of endeavouring to arrange suitable provisions for that purpose.