Companionship

NZ Truth, Issue 1149, 8 December 1927, Page 7

Companionship

The S.M.: How much do you consider you can afford to allow your wife?"

"Your lordship," began Abdo, "I am only his comrndnship!" The S.M.: "Can you allow her £2- per week?"— ''( am quite sure I can't. 1 cannot get that myself." Defendant stated that his niece had been. working for him' thirteen years. She had never interfered with his wife, and his wife had never complained to him about the niece being m the house. Lawyer Joyce stated that the niece was of considerable assistance m the shop, but the wife did not know Eng-. lish. The husband had always treated his wife properly. The keen competition m business, and his illness, had seriously depleted his finances. It was suggested tliat a minimum amount of maintenance be allowed, until the parties oould adjust their differences m anoi*sr court. The S.M. pointed out that Abdo had taken upon himself the obligations of marriage and must support his wife. Apparently he did not want her to return to him. A judicial separation was not asked for, however, but merely an order for maintenance. He ordered Abdo to pay thirty shillings per week;