HUSBAND AND WIFE.

Evening Star, Issue 11893, 22 May 1903, Page 4

HUSBAND AND WIFE.

AUCKLAND, May 22. Mr Justice Conolly to-day is trying a divorce petition by Richard Heinitz, electrician, employed "by the Telegraph Department, formerly 6f Auckland, but now of Wellington, with James Wilson as corespondent. The defence was based on the petitioner's own alleged misconduct, and his conduct conducing to his wifo's misconduct. The petitioner's evidence and crossexamination were to the effect that he had married respondent in London unknown to the parents of either. They lived in apartments til] the petitioner obtained a twoyears' engagement with the New Zealand Government. Petitioner's wife remained behind, pending an extension of the engagement, also for want of the passage money. He made her no allowance. for a considerable period. Finally she wrote to the department asking his whereabouts, and as a result of this he consented to allow her £4 6s 8d per month, his salarv being £2OO. The arrears accumulated to £4O. A further letter to the department caused him to write to her that he was threatened with dismissal failing payment of arrears and a regular allowance, and asked her consent to reduce her demands owing to his debts through betting and extravagance. Later he complained that she had informed his people of their secret marriage, and hU parents were incensed, and refused to* acknowledge her. He also wrote pleading for her to proceed for a divorce on the gTound of desertion, and offering to pay all expenses, and thus both lives would be happy. She did- not do so, and ho repeated his request. Finally he attempted a reconciliation, and asked for a reduction, in her allowance to enable him to return to England to her. He comp'ained that she showed distrust of his promises. The case is proceeding.