“A BRILLIANT JOKER”

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8339, 28 January 1913, Page 7

“A BRILLIANT JOKER”

FAILS TO SUPPORT WIFE.

AND IS TAKEN TO TASK BY

MAGISTRATE.

With arrears amounting to £97 7s due up to January 13th, John William Leslie appeared before Dr McArthur, S.M., at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, charged with having disobeyed a maintenance order in respect to his wife. Leslie asked that tho case might bo adjourned. Dr McArthur: How long do you want it adjourned, there is only £97 7s owing?—l want to see if you can reduce those arrears.

Oh, yes, 1 thought it was (something like that. Have you anybody to keep but yourself?—No. • What do you do when yon work?—l work on tho wharf.

On the wharf, and you can’t pay £1 a week towards your wife’s support!— No. You can’t?—No.

I think the sooner you make a move tho better. On the wharf for tho last four or five mouths they haven’t known whore to get men. Do you work on the wharf or play “ two-up ” P —l never gambled in my life. Well, that is an excuse, but a poor one. What do you do with your money when you make it?—l never earn it.

Oh, do you get tired soon? I am very likely to reduce your arrears!

Tho clerk of tho court informed his Worship that it was nearly two years since the order was made. Only £2 5s had been paid so far. Dr McArthur (to defendant): You’re a brilliant joker, you are! You come hero and have the impudence to ask if I will wipe that all out.—l never asked you to wipo it out.

What can you pay now ?—Nothing. That is what yon have paid for a long while, isn’t it? Have you a receipt for it? (Laughter.) Nearly two years!—lt is not two years. I never said it was. You aro pretty smart. I can see. You will be sentenced to throe months’ imprisonment. If we can’t make you pay we’ll send you somewhere else. Leslie seated himself, hut a few minutes afterwards rose and said to Dr McArthur; “ Can’t you give mo a chance to pay something of that off ?” Dr McArthur: In -vlarch it will have boon tao years since the order ivas made, and you have paid practically nothing. I know you would rather ho out of gaol in tho summer-time. No, I won’t give you a chance. Anvone would think I was a fool.