The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1873-07-19 00:00:00

CHAPGE .AGAINS r AN IN rEIIPERAFE
HUSBAND.

At the Dudley Police Court, on Monday, before
Messrs. Charles Cochrane, J. Laton, and W. Wilkinson,
Henry Bethel, lawyer's managing clerk, (formerly of
Stourbridge), was brought up on remand, charged with
neglecting to maintain his wife and family.
The Magistrates' Clerk told the Bench that defendant
appeared in answer ti a summons on Friday last, but in
consequence of his condition he was locked up. (To
defendant) : Are you better now?
Defendant: I was perfectly sober last Friday. Pro•
bably I was excited, and it was enough to make anyone,
to be summoned by his wife
. .

Henry T. Spittle, acting relieving officer, Dudley,
stated that defendant's family became chargeable to the
Union on the 4th instant. The Guardiane allowed the
wife Is 64 per week, the real object beibg to punish
the defendant, who his well able to support his family.
Defendant: Did you go to my house and learn for
yourself whether my wife was destitute or not ?
Witness : No.
Defendant: Who accompanied my wife when she ap.
plied for relief?
Witness : Her father, Mr. Fibber.
Defendant : Did you have an interview with them
before they went before the Board ?
Witness : No.

Defendant : Was there anything said about an ulterior
ject.
Witnes : yes. The sum of Is tid per week ordered
the Guardians was given with the view of punishing
e defendant.

Mr. John Fisher, silversmith, kc., Market Place,
tea that his daughter, Mrs. Bethel, was destitute
.n she applied to the Guardians for relief. The de.
silent had been very neglectful of late. The largest
amount he had given his wife at one time wee 10s. He
bad given her next to nothing to support herself and
family. Unfortunately he (defendant) had lost his smut-
; lion through intemperate habits, and his wife and family
were dependent upon witness for bread. Defendant was
perpetually in a tate of drunkenness.
Defendant : How do you know my wife RAS destitute'
Witness : I have frequently been to her house, and
found not • morsel of bread there. My daughter and
her children wanted food. She has frequently come to
my hou.e and caked for victual.. She has suffered
much, and has endeavoured to screen you.
Defendant: I suppose my wife will be called?
The Magistrates Clerk : Unfortunately the law will
not allow her to be called. She ought to be heard in
this cue.
Defendant : So do I.
7 -

Mr. Aston : I. there any hope of reforming his man?
Mr. Fisher : I have done all I can to induce him to
alter his mode of living, and in doing so have spent • lot
of money.
Defendant here explained that he was out of employ-
ment, and had exhausted all his money. He had to
trust to chance for his living, until he secured • regular
situation.
. . . .

The Magistrates' Clerk : You are summoned as an
" idle and disorderly person," and the Magistrates can
only send you to gaol.
Defendant: Cannot the case be adjourned to enable
me to snake an effort to arrange with the Guardians..

Mr. Cochrane: That is a very reasonable surige—s.tion.
Mr. Aston • Well, we can let the matter stand over.
.•. . .

Mrs. Bethel WM celled, but not sworn. In reply to
questions, she said: My husband was never sober when
he had money. He is very fond of drink, and when in
liquor be is violent and very abusive.
The Magistrates' Clerk : If he is sent to prison he
will be branded as an idle and disorderly person.
Ultimately it was decided to adjourn the case for a
week to enable the defendant to make a proposal to the
Guardians.