OBJECTION TO ARREST

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20497, 13 May 1938, Page 8

OBJECTION TO ARREST

WIFE’B JUSTIFICATION MAINTENANCE CASE DISMISSED “I know Mr S. L. Paterson. S.M., has strong views on the issue of a warrant for arrest on a small matter when it might prejudice the defendant,” said Mr W. J. King to Mr W. H. Freeman. S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court, Hamilton, to-day when appearing for Langley Charles Pidcock, a photo engraver, of Auckland, who was charged with defaulting, for 14 days, in the payment of maintenance for a childThe arrest was made at Auckland yesterday on a warrant issued following allegations by defendant's wife that he intended leaving New Zealand. Mr King submitted that defendant had no intention of leaving the country. He had been asked to visit tlie police station at Auckland yesterday and did so during his lunch hour. He was thereupon arrested and before being sent, to Hamilton lie did not have the opportunity even to inform his employer of the position. The wife of defendant, in evidence, said defendant’s mother had informed her that defendant was going to Australia with his people. Crossexamined witness said she was not worried about the payment of maintenance. which had been regular except for a short, period when defendant had been on sustenance. She was concerned in ease defendant, would take the child, of which he had custody, away from the country. • The wife has' justification, under the circumstances, for having defendant arrested.'' said Mr Freeman. •The information is without reasonable cause, however, and I will dismiss it.”