At the Thrapston Petty Sessions on Tuesday before Lord Lilford (in the chair), Mr. G.E. Abbott, Mr. T.S. Agutter, Mr. W. T Hewitt, Mr. C. Kenneth Murchison M.P. and Mr. J. Shalmerdine.

Thomas Adams, contractor, Raunds, was summoned for failing to relieve and maintain Margaret Adams, his daughter, a poor person who has been chargeable to the Thrapston Poor Law Guardians since the 16^th October 1920. Defendant, who was not present, was represented by Mr. John Prentice, solicitor, Thrapston and Northampton.

Mr. J.W. Howard, relieving officer, stated that on the 16^th October relief in kind was granted to Margaret Adams to the amount of 24s. An application was made by the father for a workhouse order but one was not granted. Margaret was living with her sister in law Mrs. Tomlin in Park Street Raunds. She was not satisfied with being at home and her father said he could not afford to keep her. She was nearly blind. He had applied to the father for maintenance and his answer was that he could not afford to pay anything. Respondent employed two men regularly; he did not own any property. Margaret has 7s 6d a week out relief.

By Mr. Prentice: She was 26. the father applied in person for an order on the 27^th September; he was not doing any work then. Witness did not know whether he had done any since; he told witness he was suffering from illness and that he had been ill a good while. Asked whether respondent’s business was not a small jobbing business, witness said it was a termed building business. The daughter told him she was unhappy at home. There was a step mother. They lived in an ordinary cottage.

Mr. Prentice read a certificate from Dr. Crew, of Higham Ferrers, dated 30^th October, stating that respondent had been suffering from chronic rheumatism and heart disease and had been under his care for the last 18 months and that he had been unable to work during that period and still remained so, and that he was unable to attend. The certificate also stated that Mrs. Adams had been suffering from chronic gastric ulcer and was also unable to work.

The case was adjourned for two months for witnesses to attend to give evidence as to means.

Mr. T.S. Agutter, who is a member of the Board of Guardians, did not adjudicate in the above case.