HUSBAND GRANTED CUSTODY

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23819, 12 December 1942, Page 6

HUSBAND GRANTED CUSTODY

FIVE CHILDREN OF MARRIAGE

The interim custody of five children was granted to Thomas Percy Gentleman, who was also granted a decree nisi, against Vera May Gentleman, William Downie being named as co-respondent, by Mr Justice Northcroft in the Supreme Court yesterday. The pronouncement of the decree, the ground for the action being adultery, was postponed on November 4 by his Honour to allow the question of custody to be settled.

For the petitioner, a war pensioner. Mr C. V. Quigley explained satisfactory arrangements ho had now made tor the conduct of his home and for the children now with the respondent in Dunedin. It was submitted that as the respondent was working, the eldest girl should not have custody, and when evidence was about to be called on these lines his Honour interposed that he would presume that a girl of IB was not a proper person to have charge of the children. Mr Quigley also said that evidence WQjilcl be given of petitioner's good character, Mr F. D, Sargent having said at the earlier sitting that his instructions were that Gentleman was addicted to drink. Mr Sargent, who again appeared for respondent, said he was satisfied now of the character of petitioner. There were seven children of the marriage, and petitioner was granted the interim custody of all but the oldest and ’he youngest, who is two years of age.