BIRDLING'S COURT FLUTTER

NZ Truth, Issue 1293, 18 September 1930, Page 5

BIRDLING'S COURT FLUTTER

Judge Grants Counsel's Request To Hear Society Divorce In Camera

"HAPPENS TO BE VERY UNUSUAL CASE"

IF the marriage of Harley Albert Birdling, of the well-known Birdlings Flat family, was something of a sensational surprise for the elite of Christchurch, then the' latest shock administered to them has certainly caused much fluttering and speculation m society dovecots m the southern city. Olga Raema Raphael Birdling's petition to the Christchurch Supreme. Court foi divorce from . her husband, Harley Birdling, on the grounds of cruelty gave the gossips material to last some time,\ but the judicial edict prohibiting the publication oi the details of the petition was a sad disappointment tc those who anticipated some choice scandal. When Mr. J. H. Upham, counsel for Mrs. Birdling, applied for the case to be heard m camera he advanced as a reason for his request the "disgusting" nature oi the evidence. In granting the application Mr. Justice Adams tolc the Press that it was an un usual order for him to make, but, he added, "This happens to be a very unusual case." His Honor declared that it was m the interests of public morals that

the evidence should not be published. The matter was adjourned sine die after an all-day hearing. Both husband and wife are prominent m social circles m Canterbury, the latter before her marriage being the pretty daughter of a well-known Christchurch chemist, a leader of the younger set, tennis player and general good sport. The pair were very quietly married one evening and left the same night for the South on their honeymoon, keeping many of their friends m ignorance of the then happy event' Canterbury people received something of a jolt therefore over the collapse of the romance. The young husband is an old boy of St. Andrews College and played Rugby for his college. During later years he has maintained his interest m the game by refereeing some of the country games m his djstrict. Society 'now awaits the final round m the domestic drama when the judge will give his decision. The husband was represented by Mr. A. T. Donnelly and with him Mr. C. S. Thomas.