WIFE DESERTION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3116, 16 February 1909, Page 5

WIFE DESERTION.

SENTENCE OF SIX MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT.

Thomas Lee, who deserted his wife in July last, at Masterton, leaving her with five young children, a sixth being born since, telling her he intended to get work, and never being heard of since, pleaded guilty to the charge of wife desertion when brought before Mr W. P. James, at Masterton yesterday afternoon. The police stated that the wife had had a hard struigle since her husband left, he having gone to Gisborne and assumed a differ or, t name. She had subsisted on charitable aid and the help of friends, and during eight months had thus managed to support herself and children, the eldest of whom was seven years old.

Accused said he had intended to try and get enough money together to bring his wife and family to Gisborne, but had not succeeded in doing so. He admitted that he had never let his wife know of his whereabouts.

The Magistrate said accused was one of those persons whom His Worship found pleasure in committing to prison. Accused was one who believed in assuming family responsibilities, and when family troubles eventually ensued and the burden of supporting his children began to be felt, left his family to the mercy o+' the world. Accused would be sentenced to six months hard labour, at the expiration of which he would be ordered to contribute £1 per week towai'ds his wife's support. "Thanks, respunded accused, and he left the Court smiling broadly, his five tiny children toddling in his wake, accompanied by the mother and baby.