S.M.COURT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 221, 1 October 1901, Page 2

S.M.COURT.

Monday, September 30.—Before Mr. E. L, Stanford, S.M. JUDGMENT FOB plaintiffs. 0, E. Hardy v. John Oolville, claim £5 10s and costs 18s; Alfred Drake v. E. F. Eagar, claim £22 2s sd, and costs £2 14s—Mr. Weston for plaintiff. In the case of the Olifton County Council v. Wickham Flower, it was stated that the evidence had been at Wellington, but had not yet come to hand, and the case was therefore adjourned till October 14th. MAINTENANCE CASK. Leonard M. Taunton was charged with failing to find adequate mean* of support for his wife and two children. Mr Govett appeared for complainant, and defendant was represented by Mr Weston. Mrs Taunton stated that she had been married eight years, and that there were two children. There had been no domestic troubles, except on money matters, until her husband left home in January last to go into c*mp with the volunteara in the Recreation Grounds, and had not since lived at home. She received the agreed allowance of £7 for the first month, and a smaller sum afterwards till a month back, when the allowance was disoon-> tinued. To Mr. Weston: The troubles over money matters arose through her husband not lettiug her know his position She was willing to forgive and forget, but she firmly declined to ieaye the town if $n allowance were made her, as she had done nothing to be ashamad of, and there was no reason for such a| step. After hearing counsel on both sides on the qusstioa of the allowance ta be made, and as to residence and furniture, bis Worship said he did not think he had power to make any order as t ; o the furniture, but he nqt thjnk Mr Taunton acted rightly in leaving his wife, and therefore she should have all that he left behind, No doubt there might be a reason, but defendant had put himself in the wrong by leaving his wife and bis home. The orderjwill run for payment of ,£8 per month, apportioned in weekly payments for Mrs I Taunton and each of the children. Mr Quilliam intimated that as soon as Mrs Taunton could get another house she would vacate, her present residence,