MUSIC AT 3 A.M.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1922, Page 8

MUSIC AT 3 A.M.

■A/HOUSEHOLD. KEPT AWAKE.“CANDIDATE FOR PARLIAMENT.” EVIDENCE IN COURT CASE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Eltham, Sept. 26. Astonishing evidence was adduced in a case in the Eltham Court to-day when William George Hayward was charged with failing to provide adequate maintenance for his wife and six children. The wife applied for a separation and guardianship order. Mr. T. B. Crump appeared for the complainant, and Hayward appeared in his own defence arm pleaded not guilty. The complainant, Delora Hayward, said during her married life of seventeen years she had always provided herself. and her children mostly, with clothing. Iler husband had refused to recognise his obligations to jherself or the children, and had never offered her anything for clothing. About six xveeks ago Hayward xvent to Wellington and left witness and the children with half a loaf of bread and a little butter and no other provision for the future. He absolutely refused to keep her or the family, telling her that she could go out to work or rely on charitable aid. Witness said that over five years ago her husband had started to knock her about. He had thrashed her with a stick and kicked her until she xvas “black and blue.” Later on he had “blackened her eye, taken her bx’ the throat and put her head through the window.” Her health was tTien in a critical condition. Mlien the husband came home from Wellington he complained because there 'was no food for him, and he had “banged” witness' head against the wall. He had threatened that there would be murder and suicide in the house before he was done. About three weeks ago the husband returned from a visit to Hawera. The door of their house was locked because witness

was afraid. Hayward took an iron bar and smashed the door and chased xvitness and the children out of the house. She went to a boardinghouse with the children, and the Charitable Aid Board guaranteed her hoard. When Hayward xvent to Hawera, she added, he took some xvar bonds belonging to one of the children from witness’ trunk. Ever since Hayward had heen “getting ready for Parliament.” He had been forcing the children and witness out of bed at three o’clock in the morning. and they could not rest. He used to get up, play the violin, and make it impossible for them to rest. She did not know what the neighbors thought. Constable Townsend gave evidence of being called to the Hayxvards’ home several times. On one occasion, at two o’clock in the morning, he found Hayward in bed complaining of-being unwell and ordering the wife and family to bring him hot drinks. He complained that he was not receiving proper attention. Witness had been summoned to the house by one of the accused’s little children, who told him there was a “row” on. Accused had said that he would not work for 14s a day as he had better things in view, and intended to stand for Parliament. Witness had had accused examined by J.P.’s to see if he was a lunatic or not., hut they had not been able tn decide. Accused said he was a contractor. It was impossible for the case to proceed anv further at present. “I charge Mr. Crump with being incompetent to conduct my wife’s ease” he said. He denied ill-treating his wifp and every other charge against him. He renuired help to fight the ease, and as a British citizen he intended to apply for the help of the Crown solicitor. . Thn magistrate said that all he marvelled at xvas how the wife had lived xvith accused so long. An order of separation and guardianship of the children was made, the wife to have custody of the children, the husband to pay £lO arrears of mam.tenance and 4s per week for each of five children. As security for maintenance a charging order was made against Hayward’s Kaponga and Eltham properties.