JUDGE’S REBUKE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 694, 20 June 1929, Page 1

JUDGE’S REBUKE

DEFENDANT DEPARTS FROM POINT MAINTENANCE CLAIR* Departing frequently from the point in a maintenance case this morning in the Supreme Court, William George Francis was rebuked by Mr. Justice Blair. May P. Francis, who secured a divorce from William Francis in September, 1928, for adultery, sought maintenance allowance. Ten shillings a week was the sum offered by Francis, but his Honour ordered a weekly payment of £2 and gave costs against him. In evidence, Mrs. Francis said she had no means and had received no money since May, 1928. She had been under medical attention for some time. Mrs. Francis had known her husband to earn £8 or £9 a week with overtime, but she reecived only £3. “Tlie husband has no one but himself to keep,” Mr. R. A. Singer said for Mrs. Francis.' “LAST YOU’LL GET” In response to a statement by defendant, Mrs. Francis said that she received £4 only once —-in the last week she was with him. He had said: “That’s the last you’ll get from me.” Def * lant: When I asked her father tor her hand he said, “With the greatest of pleasure ——" Hi 3 Honour: Please keep to the point of the case. I do not want a long history. Defendant: I want to get to the bottom of the trouble. His Honour: And that is your means and Mrs. Francis’s necessities. The defendant declared that Mrs. Francis had arranged to work and keep herself. His Honour: That does not concern me. Please get on with your defence. Francis detailed his earnings and his payments, but once more referred to past affairs. “I have a drastic way of dealing with you and rnakijig you keep to the point,” his Honour said. “I recommend you to do what I tell you. It will not be profitable for you unless you j o that. Now keep to the point.” "Mr. Singer: lam prepared to say that Francis has a net weekly income of £5 10s. Defendant: Mrs. Francis is able to earn her own living. Mr. Singer: If this had been in the Magistrate’s Court, I could get £2 a week ordered. Defendant: I’ll offer 10s a week. I am a sick man myself. Mr. Singer: Oh! His Honour immediately made the order.