DID NOT KNOW THEIR FATHER

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10518, 14 December 1901, Page 2

DID NOT KNOW THEIR FATHER

(Per. United Press Association.)

INVERCARGILL, December 12:

A singular maintenance case came before the S.M. to-day. An elderly man made application for an order to com-, pel his two sons to contribute to his maintenance. He said he married in Scotland, and his wife and he emigrated to America. There five children were born, to them, but all died except one. The applicant acquired property there, and when the Civil War broke out he was called on to serve in the Northern Army.. To 'avoid doing so he made over the property to his wife, and went into the mountains. His wife returned to Scotland, 'and they kept up a correspondence. In Scotland the second defendant was born. The lads grew up and came to New -Zealand with their mother. Complainant was informed by a friend in Scotland where they had gone, and the- correspondence was renewed. Both defendants wrote to him as their father, and induced him to come to the colony. They paid his passage, and took him 'to their farm, where their mother recognised him as her husband. She had since, died. "~ He had tried to get maintenance from the sons, but they replied that they would not recognise him, and said he had deserted his wife and children and never contributed a penny to their .up-bring-ing. Counsel now said the defendants were prepared to contribute, but wanted proof as to his being their father. After complainant had givon his evidence, they consented to 'give 4s each per week.