Traffic in Wives.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 4348, 19 April 1884, Page 5

Traffic in Wives.

The price of wives seems to have gono up lately. Two who were recently sold fetched respectively half-a-crown and sixpence ;but wives rule higher at Ruabon, where it seems that a really superior article fetches no loss than ten shillings. This, at any rate, is the figure at which a Ruabon minor parted with his wife, though the enhanced price may be due to the fact that some children seem to be included in the bargain. The bargain was anticipated by the elopement of his wife with her subsequent purchaser. The pair went, it seems, to Tyldesloy, in Lancashire, and the abductor wrote to the husband a friendly letter, asking whether the latter would frivo the lady up. If the swain who found himself preferred was a sensitive man—of which, however, there does not seem to be any evidence —it must have pained him deep'y to tell the husband that Sarah preferred death to the company of her lawful spouse. "Therefore" the writer continued, with some little confusion between the postal and telepraph departments, "if you are willing, kindly wire a note, signed by your own hand, stating you are willing for me to make her a comfortable home and the children, and I will forward you ten shillings in cash for a New Year's gift after you do me that kindness." The husband readily did "that kindness;" but it is to bo feared that none of her Majesty's judges will endorse the bargain.