A HUSBAND’S CREDIT

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 266, 4 August 1921, Page 5

A HUSBAND’S CREDIT

CAN BE PLEDGED BY A WIFE. The main question raised in the case of Chapman, Skerrett, Tripp, and Blair against George Sims Marley, which was the subject of»a reserved judgment by Mr. E. Page. S.M., yesterday, concerned the right of a' wife to pledge her husband’s credit for legal costs and expenses incurred by her in instituting and conducting proceedings under the Destitute Persons Act, 1910, for an order tor Bummaiy separation and tor maintenance. In 1919 the plaintiffs were instructed to take proceedings against the defendant under the above Act, and the wife's proceedings were successful. Counsel for defendant contended that tho general rule, that “a wife who is deserted by her husband or is turnedaway by him without adequate cause, or ia compelled to leave in consequence ol his conduct, has by implication in law authority to pledge his credit for th® costs of taking legal advice and for costs," did not apply. After dealing with this and other minor legal points, Mr. Pago held that tho plaintiffs were entitled to recover, and gave judgment accordingly, with costs. At the hearing Mr G. Watson appeared for plaintiffs and Mr. H. F. O’Leary for defendant.