A QUEER FAMILY

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 54, 5 March 1898, Page 3 (Supplement)

A QUEER FAMILY

Artemus Ward used to tell a story of a captured pirate who was consigned to a loathsome prison, where he languished for sixteen years. One day a bright idea .struck him. He opened the window and got out. The same slow and gradual process of thought seems to have operated in the mind- of Mrs Hardy, of Whetstone, who asked the Highgate magistrate recently to grant her a separation order against her husband James. 'How long have you been married? asked Mr Glover. 'Thirty-three years,' was the reply. 'You have been a long time finding out that you cannot live happily together,' remarked his worship. Tho lady alleged, however, that her husband had tried to strike her, and had also threatened to 'brain' her and 'settle her. Mr Hardy, Avho worn an auburn wig, admitted tho threat, but alleged that it was all blank cartridge. However, fcis oldest son, a one-eyed youth supported the testimony of his mother. 'I used to live at home once, he added; 'but I am married now.' ,_,■__, 'That's not an offence, remarked Mr 'No I wish it was,' sighed the youth, in accents of gloom that told their own tale. Mrs Hardy went away without her separation order, her husband being bound over to keep the peace.