Mexborough and Swinton Times, June 7, 1929
Domestic Trouble
Hope of Agreement at Swinton.
Wilfred Henry Trout (29) , miner, of 17 Highwoods Rd, Swinton, appeared before the Rotherham West Riding magistrates on Monday on a charge of having failed to maintain his wife, by letter Trout, an infant child.
Violetta Trout, complainant, said defendant had not provided her with food for nearly two months past, and she had to rely on neighbours and her sister. She alleged that her husband had been spending the money that he received in gambling. He had had two accidents at the pit, which had put him off work at different times during the two months, but he had received compensation.
Clara Fisher, sister of the complainant, said she had sent supplies of food round to her sister two or three times every week for the past five weeks. She asked defendant what he was going to do for his wife, and he did not answer her.
Wilfred Henry Trout, defendant said he was still living with his wife. He maintained that he had provided his wife with focal and maintenance as often as he could having regard to his weekly income. He was off work for about four days at Easter owing to an accident he had in the pit. and again he was off shortly afterwards as a result of having his toe trapped. He received compensation pay during that time. He offered his wife £2 on one occasion and she refused it. He then took the money back and later told her he had made arrangements for her to get food at a shop and he would pay for it. She never went for it.
Complainant said she did not know he had offered her money; she thought he was “having her on.” He had not given her money for some time. She did not go to the shop for food, although she knew that she would be trusted.
The magistrate adjourned the case for one month, and the hope was expressed that the parties would get together.