ARREST ON MONTEREY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 245, 17 October 1939, Page 8

ARREST ON MONTEREY

CHARGE AGAINST WOMAN CUSTODY OF CHILD IN DISPUTE ( Per Press Association.' AUCKLAND, Oct. 16. While a detective was conducting inquiries on board concerning a married woman and her 12-year-old daughter, from Melbourne, passengers arriving by the Monterey from Sydney were forbidden to land. The arrival of the ship alongside Princes Wharf was delayed by almost half an hour and it was some time after she had berthed that passengers were permitted ashore. In the meantime, Detective Cromwell arrested the woman in one of the cabins on a provisional warrant issued from Melbourne. She later appeared in the Police Court charged with unlawfully taking an unmarried girl under 16 out of the possession and against the will of her parent and guardian and the person having lawful care and charge of her. The charge was dated at Melbourne on October 12. Detectivd-Sergeant Walsh said accused was a resident of Melbourne, living apart from her husband, who was a prominent citizen. She was the mother of a girl aged 12 and a boy aged about eight. A short time ago she paid a visit to relatives in America, and on returning to Melbourne she took her daughter away from school without her husband's consent. She left with her daughter and in Sydney booked passages for both to San Francisco, stating that she intended to reside there permanently. When she left Melbourne. De-tective-Sergeant Walsh continued, the husband laid an information against her and a warrant was obtained for her arrest. A provisional warrant was made out in Auckland and it was executed by a detective on the arrival of the Monterey that morning. The arrest v.fis effected after considerable difficulty, he said, adding that the police held both the mother and daughter in custody. Applying for a remand until Tuesday, Detective Walsh advised that the husband intended coming to Auckland by the first available ship. U was possible he might then be present in Court. Representing accused, Mr. T. Henry agreed to a remand and applied for bail in her own recognisance. He said she had a letter of credit for £220 and a condition of bail could be that ; she would hand the passports for herself and child over to the police. “In reference to the difficulty encountered by the police in arresting accused.” said Mr. Henry, “she had been advised that some attempt might be made to take the child from her . in Auckland. When she knew that ; the police were on board looking for her she did everything she could to assist.” Mr. Henry said the matter would possibly be settled, although the Court might have to make some further pronouncement. Acting under instructions for the husband". Mr. Richmond sought custody of the child, saying that accused was agreeable to her being taken into his own home. “After seeing the little girl it does not seem that she should be under official control." he added. The request was granted. In replv to the Court, accused said her passports were in the hands of the police, who also held one part of her letter of credit. The other part was among her effects on board the ship. The magistrate. Mr. Orr Walker, granted the remand and fixed bail at £2OO on condit —i that the passports and letter of credit remained, in possession of the police Applying for suppression of the name, which was granted. Mr. Henry said it appeared to be a matter which largely concerned the husband and child.