DOMESTIC INFELICITY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 142, 15 June 1917, Page 6

DOMESTIC INFELICITY.

STRAINED RELATIONS. The domestic infelicity of a ciuplc v as unfolded in the Magistrate's Court this morning before Mr. C. C. Kettle, S.M.. during the hearing of an application for maintenance and separation made by Mary Ann Uennison (Mr. Hackett), against her husband. William Dennison. on the grounds of persistent cruelty and failure to provide adequate means of maintenance. Complainant's story was that she married 17 years ago, and there were five children of the marriage. She had lived happily with her husband until October last, when he entereil a hospital to be treated for venereal disease. On being discharged from the institution he made an attempt on his life. He was tried by the Court, anil was sentenced to three months' imprisonment, but primarily for ill-treat-ing her. since his discharge from gaol he bad endeavoured to cohabit with her. but she objected. lie had threatened her life, and through her fear of him she would not live under the same roof with him. Further, he had failed since October last to provide her with maintenance, anil had accused her of being fah>c. She had to seek employment to keep herself and children.

Defendant explained that he had been handicapped in his occupation through being an invalid. Nevertheless he had been able, some live years back, to provide his wife with the proceeds of a property he sold, amounting to £100. On this they had lived comfortably. He was not anxious to be separated from bis wife, and to prevent it happening had endeavoured a reconciliation, but had failed. They had. arranged, however, to sell the furniture and share the proceeds. He was prepared to make over'to his wife a life insurance policy on bis life for £100.

Cross-examined hy Mr. Harkett defendant admitted having tried to take his life. Despite what doctors had said he denied having been treated for venereal disease. He admitted drinking occasionally, but his wife also drank.

Complainant's application for 2">/- per week, was reduced to 12/6 per week. I'nder sub-section .1 of section 17 the magistrate made an order for separation and the amount applied for, as amended, the wife to have the custody of the children.