CASE OF DISTRESS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 79, 24 November 1931, Page 6

CASE OF DISTRESS

UNFORTUNATE CIRCUMSTANCE OF AGED AND INFIRM COUPLM. SLENDER MEANS OF SUPPORT. Application for maintenance from his son was made by Henry Conn in the Rotorua Magistrate's Court yesterday. Applicant told the magistrate that he was 64 years of age, physically unable to work, and that he and his wife, who is totally blind, were existing on a blind pension of £3 15s lOd a month and living in a cottage which had been condemned ■ by the Healh Department. Assistance Refused. Mr. E. Roe, who appeared for the applicant, said .that Conn's son was a single man, working on a farm at Waharoa and drawing £2 a week in addition to his keep. He had been asked whether he would make any contribution towards his parents' support, but according to the police, he had refused to do so. Circumstances of Case In evidence, Henry Conn stated that he was 64 years of age, and owing to asthma and bronchitis, was quite unable to work. His wife was totally blind and was receiving on that aceount a pension of £3 15s lOd a month. This was their only means of support in addition to some assistance they had been receiving from the Rotorua Women's Club. Applicant stated that his son was a single man and was at present earning £2 a week in addition to his keep. His wife and himself were at present living in a small cottage, but had not been able to pay rent for some' time. At present the arrears amounted to £17 and action for possession was beng taken against him in the Magistrate's Court that day. He was quite unable to meet the rent and the place had been condemned by the Health Department. The magistrate, (Mr. S. L. Paterson, S.M.) made an order for 15s against the defendant. Later in the sittings, action for possession was brought against Conn, by C. C. Harrison, of Rotorua, and an order was made.