“TURNED UP’’ SMOKES IN ORDER TO SAVE.

Shannon News, 22 July 1927, Page 3

“TURNED UP’’ SMOKES IN ORDER TO SAVE.

SAYS DEFENDANT. IS £2OO IN ARREARS WITH MAINTENANCE. AUCKLAND, July 16. Christopher Thomas Morris, aged 45. a married man with seven illegitimate children, but no money to pay arrears of maintenance amounting to over £2OO, again appeared in the Police Court to-day. Morris was originally charged with making default of maintenance for £7O on an order made at Dunedin on July 2. Mr. Bryce Hart for defendant said that Morris had no children by his wife but had seven altogether, some n Auckland and some in Christchurch. He bad to-day been served with divorce papers. He was doing his best to keep the woman and his children in Auckland.

Mr. M’Kean, S.M.: He has so many he may possibly have forgotten just how many he has. Mr. Hart; Probably sir, ho should keep a diary. * Morris in evidence said that he had not lived with his wife since 1921. “1 have done my best to keep my little family in Auckland respectable,” he said. “I’ve turned up smoking to try and make ends meet I only came out of prison on May .28 after serving .two months for maintenance default. Now these proceedings commence and I'm expecting another kiddie here soon. ”

The proceedings were dismissed. The question of arrears was adjourned till August 16.