MAINTENANCE OF WIFE AND CHILD

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 82, 28 June 1927, Page 9

MAINTENANCE OF WIFE AND CHILD

HUSBAND ALLEGES DESERTION DECREE NISI GRANTED Adjourned for the purpose of hearing further evidence in regard to an allegation that petitioner had neglected to provide for the maintenance of his wife and child, the petition of Frederick James Spiers (Mr. Matthews) was again heard by his Honour Mr. Justice Reed yesterday afterrfoon. During the hearing of the petition in the morning a letter was forwarded by an independent nerson in England through the High Commissioner's Office, alleging that petitioner had left his wife and child without support, and was read by his Honour. Mr. Matthews pointed out that petitioner’s wife, Jean Bruce Spiers, had admitted that it was her fault. Since petitioner had left the navy he had not been in a position to make payment. The evidence given by petitioner alleged that his wife had left him at Leith, Scotland, in January, 1922. Until then he claimed he had given his wife all his money. Edgar L. Bartleet, solicitor, said he had been instructed by a firm of solicitors in England to file an answer denying desertion. However, he had learned from petitioner’s solicitor that respondent had admitted desertion. He was later instructed by the Home solicitors to secure maintenance for the wife and child. An order had been made for the payment in advance of £9 15s a quarter. A decree nisi was granted, to be made abs lute in three months.