Deserted Wives

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32031, 4 July 1969, Page 10

Deserted Wives

Sir,—“M” has missed the point of my letter, which was the necessity for suitable part-time employment for mothers. I thought it was obvious that my concern for social equality was for the children of a broken marriage. They are always the sufferers, and to suggest that one remaining parent can cope with a young family and full employment is unfair. Anyone of either sex in this predicament has my sympathy, and-1 would support any move which confirms the responsibilities of parents, and mothers, too. However, the reason there is no legal redress for men in these circumstances rather suggests that their cases are unusual —perhaps few in number? In all reports of the meetings of separated men, no practical steps in this direction appear to have been initiated. Their main published concern has been against paying for the support of their wives and families.—Yours, etc., M. W. WRIGHT. July 2, 1969. Sir,—Many letters have been in your column on deserted wives, mainly from that poor, neglected race, men. Now, why not a few true facts? A mother in the country had to be nearer her doctor as she had complications during pregnancy. Her husband said promptly that she had deserted him. Over Christmas she received no gift or money. When invited to hold the baby, a lovely child, he declined. Many women take their erring husbands back even though they lose their maintenance. These poor sad men, who gave their wives children to care for, think it is right and seemly to do so and to leave their wives to cook tea and mind the children while ,they “have a drink with the boys.’” There is wrong on both sides, we all know; but men should not have a family if they resent the ties and understanding attached to marriage.—Yours, etc., CONTENTED WIFE. July 3, 1969.

Sir, —There would be a big decline in the number of deserted wives and deserted husbands if better preparation were made before marriage. Marriage is not only a sacrament, but a gift from God. Society is built upon marriage, and happy marriages mean a happy society. The husband and wife must continue the love of their courtship after marriage. There must be give and take, as marriage has its joys and sorrows. Marriage has many responsibilities and if these are shouldered squarely by both parties there will be fewer marital desertions.— Yours, etc., DISILLUSIONED NATIONALIST. July 3, 1969.