The Sun.
London, England, 1824-02-12 00:00:00

SHERIFF PARKINS.

M A R. YLEBONE-OFFIC E.—Yestv rday Mr...Toseph
Wilfred parkins appeared on a summons before EDWARD
G Eql.f the presiding Magistrate, to answer why
he ll
ed the terms and conditions of an order of
Ibrard T
notw,
fulfill
affiliation made on him sonic time during the year 1822, for the
maintenance of a bastard child of his, which has become charge-
able
Int
ppaerrlknitipi
ss
wwailsl
pboehremembered
ab by able to the parish of Marylebone.
gisrolmc namedof o uHrarnenaadhe 71,7.
White,
as a, the father of her child; and on that recognition being made
before the Magistrates at this office, an award of 4shillings per
week for the maintenance of the child in the parish workhouse
was made against Mr. Parkins. He appealed at the Sessions
against the order, but it was confirmed ; and the parochial
officers have been twice under the necessity of citing him before
the Magistrates to compel him to pay the demand.
Mr. Thorpe, the assistant overseer, said, the demand upon
the defendant was only 5/. 4s. for the maintenance of child
by the parish from April to October last year; the above sum
was due upon the order which had been confirmed at Sessions.
Mr. GRIFFITHS having examined the order, asked the de-
fendant why he had not paid it?
Mr. Parkins.—Why, Mr. Magistrate, I have offered to pay
the money, and I have sent it; and the reason I thus trouble
you to-day is, they will not allow me to see the child ; the
money was offered them, provided they would show the child ;
and I am of opinion, Sir, 1 am entitled to claim the right of
seeing this child said to be mine. Very likely it is dead, and
I am defrauded of my money.
The Magistrate said he did not think that ; but the request
was reasonable enough, and he had no doubt he would be al-
lowed to see the child.
Mr. Parkins.—l hope so, Sir; my demand is gentlemanly
and fair. You give an order calling on them to Phew me the
child, and I have no doubt it will be attended to.
The Magistrate said such orders were not given, but he
would ask the overseer when he had seen the child.
Mr. Thorpe.—l saw the infant not two hours since.
Magistrate.—ls it the same that was produced here ?
Mr. Thorpe.—lt is the same child born in our parish, the
mother being Hannah White, who has given up the defendant
as the father : it is the same child that was made the subject
of appeal.
Mr. Parkins.—Very well; I wish to see this child; it may
not be the same that was here formerly. I think it necessary
to state, I have not seen it since.
The Magistrate.—Well, Sir, you perceive the man swears to
having seen the child, and that is quite sufficient. We have
proof it is alive now, and indeed this demand is only for some
months during last year : you assuredly cannot require any
more.
Mr. Thorpe—lf your worship pleases to give an order calling
on me to produce the child, I will do so in ten. minutes; but I
beg leave to say, I cannot produce the child to the defendant
without a magistrate's order.
Mr. Parkins—Do you see, Sir, this trick ? and as I require
to see the child, give him an order to produce it.
Magistrate—l cannot do any such thing, and you are very
well aware of that.
Mr. Parkins.—Well, Sir, I must pay the money ; but I am
surprised you will not give me an order to see the child. Ile
then paid 51. 98. being the award and costs, and with his clerk
and a young gentleman retired.