VISITOR OR BOARDER?

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15245, 23 May 1923, Page 4

VISITOR OR BOARDER?

A PECULIAR CASE. HOUSEHOLDER'S CLAIM FOR BOARD Mrs Edith Collier proceeded against James Stewart, at the Magistrate’s Court, Hamilton, yesterday, for £l9 10s, allegedly due in respect to board and lodging enjoyed by defendant and his child over a period of several weeks. Mr Lucas appeared for plaintiff. Stewart being represented by Mr Webb. It appeared that Mrs Collier asked defendant and his wife and child to come to stay witli her. A conversation naturally took place over the matter, and plaintiff maintained that defendant agreed to pay board for himself and his son, while Mrs Stewart was til act as “lady help” in return for hen board. The defence, however, contended that the Stewart family were originally invited to stay as guests while they looked about for a house in Hamilton. No arrangements for any payment for board and lodgings had been made. After they had been staying with Mrs Collier for a week they announced their intention of leaving, whereupon Collier objected, saying, “Mrs Collier must have someone to help her, and why not Mrs Stewart? As for Stewart, he can stay here till the cows come home.” It was then arranged that Mrs Stewart should stay and work for 35s a week. WMle f Mrs Stewart was at the house for twelve weeks, Stewart was working at harvesting in the country, and' was not there half the time hiipself. Plaintiff was non-suited with *ost3 to defendant.