I am reading some insolvency records from 1868 from the Sydney area, there is one word I am stuck on and wonder if anyone can help. Wm McKenzie is making a statement of why he cannot pay his debts and this is what I can make out;

When traveling in search of employment it cost me £8 I had to __??__ my mother who is a widow.

All these causes combined have left me unable to pay my detaining creditors to whom I offered 10/s per week

I assume he was supporting Her? See attached for copy of document
thanks
Elaine