PITCAIRNERS' SUIT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20492, 28 February 1941, Page 9

PITCAIRNERS' SUIT

DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS COMPLICATIONS ARISE (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Divorce proceedings instituted from Pitcairn Island were called in the Supreme Court to-day. The suit brought forth two complications, first that counsel for the petitioner was unable to find his client, and secondly if a decree were granted in New Zealand it may not be recognised in Pitcairn, where the husband is still domiciled. The case has been adjourned sine die by the Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers. The petitioner is Beryl Young and the respondent Chester Young, the grounds being separation for three years. Counsel, Mr. A. J. Mazengarb, explained that he had lost sight of his client. The name of Young was common in Pitcairn. He had located a Mrs. Young and thought the case could proceed, but discovered she was not the woman. Replying to His Honour, Mr. Rollings, for the respondent, said that if there was an intention to reside in New Zealand permanently, which they said was lacking, it was all that was required. On the matter of jurisdiction, he said his client was domiciled at Pitcairn, and if a divorce were granted the respondent might find himself in a somewhat difficult position. Sir Michael Myers said that so far as the court was concerned, all it had to decide was a question of fact, leaving any complications to be dealt with hereafter elsewhere.

Mr. Rollings said that so far as they knew, it was the first divorce case between Pitcairners. The community there was against the idea of divorce.