A PAINFUL QUARREL.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 682, 8 November 1921, Page 4

A PAINFUL QUARREL.

Some surprising features as to the manner in which a family disclaimed responsibility for the maintenance of their mother were revealed in the New Plymouth Magistrate’s Court recently. The matter arose during the hearing of an application for an order for possession of a dwelling. The occupier, an elderly woman, was said to be thp mother of nine children, and to have been deserted by her husband. She rented these premises and maintained herself by sub-letting portions .of the house, and if she had to vacate the place it “meant that unless she could get a house which she could similarly sub-let. her means of a livelihood would I>3 gone. When asked as to one son’s ability to help her she said that when he was in work he kept all he earned, and when he had no work he lived on her. Counsel fon defendant said there were eight children,. who sHould be able to help, but they would not, and one of them had written saying : “I'll see my mother in he first before I’ll contribute anything towards tier maintenance.” There was a daughter just recently married,, who was prepared! to assist in maintaining her mothers but he thought the best course would he to bring the whole lot of the family, ‘good and bad alike,” into court ana see what could be done for such an unfortunate woman. The ten®* ment case was adjourned to enable; summonses to be issued by . c ®nnse in order that something might be done towards securing maintenance for defendant.