SUPPORT FOR FATHER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3773, 29 March 1928, Page 3

SUPPORT FOR FATHER.

A SON’S LIABILITY. Eighty years of age and with 2s 4d in the bank, Levi Pearce, appeared in the Wellington Magistrate’s Court on Monday, before Mr. J. H. Salmon, S.M., in support of a complaint that his son, William Shipway Pearce, had failed to comply with an order for his support and was in arrears to the extent of £2O.

It was stated that the defendant had been ordered in 1911 to pay £1 per month towards the support of his father, and had complied with the order until 1915, when the latter had come into £IOOO from a relative’s estate. That sum had sinee been expended, and an order for the resumption of the instalments was asked for.

The defendant said that ho received £3 19s 9d per week and had to support his wife and four young children. He owned property valued at £BOO and had £2OO in the bank, but. said it was impossible for him to contribute anything towards his father’s support.

The father gave evidence that lie was living with his married sister and was drawing the old-age pension. He was asking for payment by his son in order that he might pay for bis keep. “I recognise your liabilities, but you must agree that the liability in respect of your father will only last a short time,” said Mr. Salmon to the defendant. “I think if your father were to die and you were to realise that you had not done all that you might have done, you would be the first to feel sorry.” An order was made for the payment of 5/- per week on the original order and 1/- per week off the arrears.