Refusing To Support Wife and Child

John Kelly, a labourer, was charged by Mr. Lindley, relieving-officer for the Pontefract Union, with refusing to support his wife and daughter.

Complainant stated that defendant’s wife had applied to the Guardians and had been allowed 1s. 6d. per week.

Mrs. Kelly, who appeared to be a very respectable woman, said that she had been married twelve months. She and her husband had one child, and had lived with her mother. Her husband had deserted her three times, and she declined to live with him again, on the ground that he would be much more likely to desert her when they had a larger family.

Defendant said he had removed to Conisbro’ and would support his wife if she would go there to live with him.

Complainant said he had no furniture, and she could not go there.

The Bench made an order for the payment of 5s. per week.