Wife Desertion Case.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XVIII, Issue 3107, 2 August 1894, Page 3

Wife Desertion Case.

£234 OWING FOR ARREARS. At tho Kaiapoi Magistrate’s Court, John Driscoll, arrested at Waiaui, w 7 as charged with having deserted his wife and seven children since October 5Lb, 1885, and disobeyed an order to pay thorn maintenance of 15s per week, thereby a debt of £234 had now accumulated. Defendant claimed to havo had threo months’ imprisonment which had not been deducted from tbs order and that ho had not boon credited with any deduction since the children came oi ago. At the time ho went away, nine years ago, ono of tho children was sixteen and four of them ho believed over fourteen years. Tho Magistrate— That can t>9 ratnecliod in the account. Now, what explanation, do you offer ? Defendant said he had great provocation from his wife. The Magistrate—But I don’t suppose you had any provocation from the c hildren. Defendant said ho had sent her £5 some years ago, and learned that she did not want his money. The Magistrate—What do you propose doing towards the arrears ? Defendant said ho could pay £2O at once and £5 a month till they were pai l. Mary Driscoll, owern, said she was defendant's lawful wife. He left her with seven children. The oldest was now 25 years, tho next 20, 17, 15, 13, and 10 years respectively. Ban had supported herself by her industry, and by tho assistance of a son earning 10s a woek for some time* Then the Aid Board allowed 7s 3d a woek for a time, but did not do so now. She hud received £2 14s and £5 from defendant sioco 1835. She believed ho now had another wife and family. Tho Magistrate to witness— You have heard his offer, what do you say to it ? Witness said she was willing to accept any reasonable sum. Tho Magistrate—You had butter take it than have him s?ut to goal. 110 must be doing pretty weli to be able to offer £5 a month. Sergeant Cartmill said tho accused was going under the name of J. Davis at Danevirke, and had a contractor’s plant. The Magistrate thought tho wife and family in this case had been treated ia a heartless way. Tho matter would be adjourned till next day to make up a complete statement, and ho should then make an ordr to pay £2O now, and £5 a month till the arrears were mot, and contribute 153 a week. Defendant ask d to bo allowed to communicate with parties who would assist him, and was iuformod the police would give every facility for doing so.— Truth.