RATE OF DIVORCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24292, 5 June 1942, Page 4

RATE OF DIVORCE

iWAB INFLUENCES DIFFERING OPINIONS According to a recent report, a very large number of divorce petitions, 1850, have been set down for hearing in England during the quarter that began on June 1. This is the largest number in any term since the war began, and it raises the question of the influence of war conditions on the incidence of divorce. It would seem a natural inference that flie war has had the effect of increasing the demand for divorce. As far as New Zealand is concerned, it is not easy to establish that the war has yet had any appreciable influence on the admittedly high divorce rate, although some solicitors are positive that it has. Prior to the war, the figure for the Dominion was rising steadily year by year, until it reached 1243 in 19:59, the last total quoted in the Year Book. Figures for the Auckland Supreme Court, which handles about one-third of the divorce business of the Dominion, indicate that there was a falling off in the first two years of the war, but that this year an increase has occurred. Auckland Divorces Including judicial separations and petitions for restitution, the Auckland figures were 485 in 1937, 481 in 19.38, 512 in 1939, 498 in 1910, and 413 last year. This year, 79 petitions were set down for the first quarter and 126 for the second. Several lawyers experienced in divorce matters with whom the position was discussed were of opinion that no effect of war conditions could yet be definitely traced. One who handles a large number of these cases from a fair cross-section of the community said lie could not recollect one case in which the influence of the war was evident. He agreed with others that such effects might well be seen later when more soldiers returned from abroad, and the influences of over-hasty war marriages began to be ielt. One was of opinion that the absence of the husband on war service either in this country or abroad sometimes tended to cause husband and wife to settle their differences. Loosening oi Morals A distinctly different view was taken bv another lawyer of wide experience in these matters. "The war is undoubtedly causing a loosening of the moral code of the people," he said. "There can be no doubt that the present conditions of society are causing a nervous, neurotic, irritable condition not conducive to the continuation of home life as in the past. Divorces are growing and will continue to grow as long as the present unsettling conditions continue." People were separating and divorcing much more readily now than in formei years, he said. People would not tolerate much from each other, and as soon as incompatibility appeared they had no compunction in separating and afterwards seeking a divorce. SOLDIERS' RELATIVES POSSIBLE CASUALTIES SCHEME FOR NOTIFICATION (P.A.) WELLINGTON. Thursday The Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, stated to-day that a request had been received from the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the Middle East asking that next-of-kin or other close relatives in New Zealand of soldiers serving overseas should at all times carry a card or other document containing sufficient particulars to enable soldiers to be notified in the event of their next-of-kin or relatives being killed or injured as a result of enemv action in the Dominion. "A scheme of this kind is in force in Britain," said Mr. Jones, "and it is evident that the introduction of a similar scheme in this country will help considerably to relieve the natural anxiety of' New Zealanders serving abroad as to the welfare of their relatives in the Dominion should New Zealand become the scene of active hostilities. , "I appeal to all next-of-kin and other close relatives of members of the Navy. Army and Air Force serving overseas to carry a suitable card or other document at all times. This card should he of strong durable material and should contain the full name, address and relationship of the next-of-kin and also the number, rank, full name, unit and address of the member (or members) of the forces to whom it is desired that a message should be sent." HOSPITAL LEVIES NO CHANGE IN WAR A reply to its representations on hospital finance was received by the Auckland City Council yesterday from the Prime Minister, the lit. Hon. P. Eraser. At its last meeting the council decided to communicate with the Prime Minister and to state its opinion that with the inauguration of the social _securitv system there was no justification for requiring the cost of treating contributors to be borne by hospital boards, with a consequent heavy increase in the levy imposed upon local bodies. It Was also decided to express the view that the full cost of treating members of the armed forces in public hospitals should be a charge on the Government and that ever-increasing demands on ratepayers to meet the cost of hospital services seriously prejudiced tho legitimate works of the city. No alteration in hospital boards' levies or hospital administration could be considered during the war emergency, stated the Prime Minister in his reply, but the whole position would be investigated at tho most suitable time. The extra cost of soldier patients would receive consideration. MANAWATU COUNCIL For the 20th successive term Mr. F. M. Waters was re-elected chairman of the Manukau County Council yesterday. He has been a member of the council since 1917. In his report, Mr. Waters referred to the sound financial position of the council and stated that all ridings had ended the financial year with credit balances. It was possible that rates would have to be increased for tho current period as a result of the possible large increase in the hospital levy and the additional amount required for the E.P.S.