MARRIAGE SALVAGE

Evening Star, Issue 23103, 1 November 1938, Page 2

MARRIAGE SALVAGE

AH APPEASEMENT COURT GOVERNMENT INQUIRING ABROAD [Pee United Phess Association.] WELLINGTON, October 31. The steps that have already been taken with a view to devising some procedure that will be helpful in bringing about the reconciliation of married couples contemplating separation were explained by the Minister of Justice (Hon. H. G. R. Mason) in an interview to-night. The Minister said that inquiries were being made abroad to,ascertain' if there were any such procedure suited to New Zealand. If nothing helpful was found as a result of these inquiries the Dominion would have to devise its own procedure to ensure that every effort was made to avoid separations. 1 Mr Mason said the idea that there should be provision for reconciliation had been discussed, and it was now some considerable tune since the Justice Department was first given definite instructions to look into the matter with a view to the introduction of some such provision into the law. It seemed to him just a little bit absurd that in the Supreme Court, after a divorce had been obtained on . the grounds of separation for three years, there was an interval of three months before the divorce was made absolute, as if there were some chance of salvaging that marriage, whereas the really critical decision, which almost inevitably led to the divorce, was made when the parties were first separated by the magistrate. At that stage there was not even three days, let alone three mouths, to give consideration to the question whether it was possible to salvage the marriage. It was this consideration which led to the department receiving instructions to inquire into ■what was being done in other countries with a view to seeing if the procedure there could be conveniently adapted to New Zealand. “ If we can find another procedure that suits us we will adopt it with or without modification,” Mr Mason added. “ If we do not find anything helpful then we will adopt our own procedure to ensure that every effort is made to avoid separations. My own view is that many married couples could bo definitely helped by the proposed arrangement, hut it will depend largely upon the intervention of a suitable person. That person must have much understanding, as well as goodwill.’