AN ELUSIVE CUSTOMER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19504, 4 February 1926, Page 6

AN ELUSIVE CUSTOMER

EVADING RESPONSIBILITY IN ARREARS WITH MAINTENANCE PAYMENTS Described ffs being an elusive customer, David Bertie appeared at the Wanganui Magistrate’s Court, before Mr R. M. Watson, S.M., yesterday morning, to explain why he was in arrears in his maintenance payments in respect to his five children. The defendant admitted the arrears amounting to £3O, but pointed out. that only two of the children were his. The Magistrate reminded him that that was no concern of the Court’s, and he was the husband of tho woman whose children were concerned in the case. Senior-Scrgdant Lopdell stated that Bertie had shifted to Gisborne and loft his wife and children destitute in Wanganui. He was living with another woman in Auckland, ho believed, and was sending his money Io her. The defendant denied that the wo man in Auckland was any responsibility to him. Senior-Sergeant Lopdoll tadded tha* the defendant had a habit of shifting from place to place, and difficulty was experienced in tracing him. Tho Magistrate told defendant tba* he need not endeavour to escape his responsibilities because he was h seafarer. He could he brought back new from any part of the Empire in respect to the present charge. Worsh.p then convicted and sentenced tho defendant to two months’ imprisonment in the Auckland gaol, the warrant to be suspended so long as ho pays £•» on April 1. and £5 per month thereafter off the arrelars, and keeps up tho existing payments of maintenance. IT'' i< to bo released from custody on the pay ment of £l5 off the arrears.