RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4401, 10 February 1883, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THIS DAF

(Before H. Kenrick, Esq., R.M.) ' WIFE DEBEBTION.

James Eyre was charged with neglecting to adequately provide for the support of his wife and six children.

Harriett Eyre swore that she was the wife of the defendant. He had deserted her and her six children for nearly eighteen months. He had been at Mercury Bay. He had sent her very little money since he left—not more than £5. Her credit was stopped, and she bad to earn money by sewing and washing. She was receiving aid from the Borough for the last six weeks. In answer to her husband, she stated she did not receive £2 in Christmas week. Received 30s by telegram on the 9th December. Did not receive 35s the following week. Received £5 on one occasion.

Tbe defendant stated that for six months after leaving he sent his wife at least 30s per week by post. During the last six month had sent about an average of 25s for week. Sent 30s in the beyin^ mug of January. Was only earning 25s a week and his food. He wanted the children taken away from his wife as she was of drinking and immoral habits; during his absence strange men visited his house. He had sent to his wife asking her to join him, but she had refused. He was willing to take the children.

J. B. Mason, Relieving Officer, stated that the plaintiff was receiving aidTrom the Borough. He had frequently seen her children go to hotels for beer. One day in December refused to give her relief, as he had changed a pound for her boy in a hotel.

-The Bench said the defendant was willing to keep his children, and in the face of what he had heard he would make no order.

Case dismissed

BTEALING- KUMABAS.

Two boys named Bichard Hay, aged 15 years, and Frederick Ladner, aged 12 years were charged with stealing kumaras the property of W. H. Taipara. The boys upon being questioned by the bench admitted the offence. The police said the parents of the boys were respectable people, and had punished them severely when they were informed of the offence. Ladner's father said his boy was beyond his control, and he would like him to v be sent to the training ship. : The Bench told him that it was absurd for parents to go there and make such statements; it was their fault if the children got out of their control. It wag generally want of care in rearing them in their earlier lives that caused these complaints. After lecturing the boys, the Magistrate decided that the parents should pay 10s, the amount of the damage done, and the elder boy should be privately; whipped by the police. It was afterwards discovered that the Act provided for the! whipping of boys up to the age of 14 only. Consequently the Magistrate gave the boy ; a sound lecture, and ordered his discharge.