S.M. COURT.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 7 March 1919, Page 3

S.M. COURT.

OTAKI—THIS DAY. . Beforo E. Page, Esq., S.M. Claim for Maintenance. Janet Thompson (Mr Harper) y. Fred W. Coe, claim for maintenance, being the father of an illegitimate child. Defendant pleaded guilty. Counsel Tor the plaintiff snUi an agreement had been entered into between the parties, but part of the amount owing had not been paid. Ho now.wished an order made for the payment of arrears and the maintenance of the child at a greater rate than 7s fid per week, which was inadequate for its board and clothing. Defendant said he paid £2 per week rent for SJ acres, while his wages at flaseutting was only lis per day for 54 days per week. Ho had averaged in weekly wages for the past year less than £3 per week. He had one, son, 10 years of age, who was firewood cutting, while his second son was not strong. He also had a wife and two other children to maintain. It was doubtful if the elder boy was able to earn enough money to maintain himself.

Under the circumstances the S.M. refused to make an order for more than 7s Od per week. Defendant was also ordered to pay back maintenance (£8 psj and counsel's fee (£1 Is). Wandering Stock. K. 0. Dick (Hutt County ranger) v. T. Cloudsley, charge l of allowing a horse to wander. No appearance of defendant. The ranger stated the offenco was committed at Paraparaumu, and that Cloudsley had practically no place to graze the horse except on the road or riverbed. •* Convicted, and ordered to pay costs amounting to 19s 6d. K.'C. Dick v. J. Aplin, charge of allowing a horse to wander. No appearance of defendant. Convicted and ordered to pay costs, 19s 6d. A. E. Minton (Mr Harper) v. Chappie Enoka", claim £3. No appearance of defendant. Judgment was given for amount, with costs 'lss.