A COURT PUZZLE

Hokitika Guardian, 24 May 1927, Page 4

A COURT PUZZLE

PATH Ell. WHO PI’EACiI ES. Al t ELAND. May 21. .Minding the children while his wile went out cleaning was the extent to which a preacher of religion supported a home. lie treated the Children's Court this morning to a vehement address on the immigration policy and his light to speak in Quay Street on Sundays. 'the man, his working wife and

.his six young children were in Court. Before the proceedings hi gun the man culled the Probation O’flicer a “liar" at intervals and sniggered sarcastically at the policemen. Sergeant Caldwell: The police hate made inquiries. The father is inclined to have ociontric views. A. constable said that he visited the home and Inund the father in charge ot three children. He admitted that he had not worked for a 'considerable time. T.he house was in a very had states. There was little furniture and little food. The father; Don't make it too hot. now.

The constable: The.mother is unable to look alter the children a.s she has to go out working, lie thinks there is no need for him to work while there is some money coining in. ("Praise Cod,” said the father) He is not very sane. He gets very savage and threat, oiled to throw me off his place. He says no authority can come between him and his i hildren. In a .statement, the mother had said: “He has a idea that everything should he left to God. J earn 22s a week by washing'and cleaning, and j receive

help from the Charitable Aid Board. For seven years he lias earned practically nothing. The house is condemned and we have to leave it,.” “1 have something to say.” declared the wife and husband together.” “•This man preaches a religion in Quay Street on Sunday afternoons,” said Sergeant Caldwell. The wife had a separation once, but she allowed the man to come back to look after tlie children.

Here the father put liis children through this catechism:— Q: What do I do in the house? ' A: (a weeping chorus): Clean.it up. Q : And what? A : Sweep the floor. Q : And what ? I A: Wash the dishes. [ Thumping the table and yelling, the father defied any Court in the country to stop him from preaching, and he wedged in an attack on the immigration policy which, he said, prevented him from getting work. He said he had a divine right to preach, and he would not stop his ranting. “We can get enough of this on Sundays,” said Senior-Detective Hammond. “Praise Cod,” said the father. “I want my children,” said the wife. “Cod will let you have them." said the father. Mr E. C. Cuttcn, S.M.. said it was the most puzzling case the Court had ever heard. One child, who was nearly deaf and dumb, would be committed to the care of the Child Welfare Department. If, the father did not get work before the end of two months, all the children would he taken from him.