OCCUPIED AN EMPTY HOUSE

Taranaki Daily News, 15 September 1934, Page 7

OCCUPIED AN EMPTY HOUSE

PLAN TO AVOID PAYING RENT.

UNUSUAL CASE AT AUCKLAND.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night.

An unusual case was heard in the Magistrate’s Court when a young Englishman, Walter Woods, pleaded guilty to being unlawfully on premises. The police said that a house was vacated on August 10 by a tenant and Woods, his wife and two children, took possession without authority. Despite efforts by officers of the State Advances Department and the police, they refused to move.

Defendant said he had been unemployed for two years and recently was on sustenance. He had either to pay rent or starve. He was unable to get a house, and as he had to look after his family he moved into the vacant one.

“I think there is a moral law that comes before the other laws,” he said. “Even the animals know it and protect their young.” The magistrate said he supposed the defendant thought it was all right to take possession of a State house. The defendant: “No; the question is 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 you are still in occupation then,” he remarked, “I am afraid I must punish you.” . It was stated by the defendant that he had written to Mr. J. G. Coates, who had promised an investigation.