THE CHRISTCHUCRH SENSATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 10, 14 January 1901, Page 2

THE CHRISTCHUCRH SENSATION.

A SOCIETY SCANDAL. A LEADING JUDGE IMPLICATED. HE RESIGNS HIS POSITION. The telegram received from Christchurch, and published in our issue of Saturday, regarding an unpleasant rumour- which was in circulation concerning a gentleman holding a high official position in that city, caused a good deal of discussion and speculation. It was alleged that the gentleman referred to had left Christchurch two or three weeks, ago for Australia, and on arrival there was joined by a married lady very much his junior, who is well known in Christchurch society circles, and who had been spending the Christmas holidays in Melbourne and Sydney. The gentleman left a wife and family bohind him, and it was reported that he had written to his solicitors stating that he had no intention of returning to New Zealand or of opposing any proceedings his wife or the husband of his present companion may take to seoure a divorce.

A Press Association telegram received last evening states:—The rumor mentioned in the Lyttelton Times has been causing a great deal of excitement in the town. It is common talk now that tho persons implicated are Justice Martin and Mrs Simms, wife of a Christohurch merchant.

A few weeks ago Justice Martin left for Australia, ostensibly to be present at the celebrations in connection with the Australian Commonwealth. Mrs Simms had left Christchurch a few weeks previously on a visit to her mother in Brisbane, but from what can be gathered, met Martin by a previous arrangement in Sydney, where the pair are now living as man and wife. Mr and Mrs Simms had had some unpleasantness on account of the attentions of the Judge to the latter, and although she denied that there was anything wrong between them it was agreed that she should visit her mother for a time, and accordingly left for Australia. Although all sorts of rumors have been circulated, the facts, so far as can be gathered, appear to be that Mrs Simms wrote to her husband making certain confessions as to her relations with Martin, stating that they were living as man and wife in Sydney, and that she had no intention of returning to him.

Judge Martin wrote to his solicitors in Christchurch admitting the fact, and naturally announced his intention of not coming back to the colony. Although no official information is to hand, everything points to the fact that Martin has resigned his position on the Judicial Bench. It matters little, however, whether he has taken that, course or not, as his removal would necessarily follow such a grave scandal. Mrs Simms was a daughter of Mrs Marshall, of Brisbane, and was a great favorite in the Fendalton district, where she lived. She was also a leading member of the Fendalton Dramatio Club. Mr and Mrs Simms have two children. Mr Martin’s wife is a daughter of the late Mr Saunderson, of Great Peak station, and there is a grown-up daughter shortly to. be married. Mr Justice Martin, during the time he had been relieving Justice Edwards in Christchuroh, had been living with his mother at Fendalton, next door to Simms’. It is stated that during the whole time he has been very attentive to Mrs Simms and frequently took her long excursions, to which, however, ner husband objected, but was always assured that these trips were attended with no impropriety. The news caused a most painful sensation in Christchurch, where both parties'ate well known. A great many people absolutely declined to believe that a man of Judge Martin's abilities, who had risen to the height of his ambition, could possibiy have committed such folly. It is understood that proceedings of divorce will at once be instituted by the husband, and that they will not be opposed. Judge Martin was born and educated in Christchurch. On leaving school he joined the firm of MessrsJJuncan, solicitors, and ultimately became a partner. About nine years ago he was appointed Stipendiary Magistrate in Wellington, a position which he forsook a few years later to take the office of Public Trustee. When Judge Denniston was granted leave of absence early last year in order to proceed to England, Judge Martin >vas given a temporary seat on the Bench, and only last month the appointment was made permanent.

Wellington,' last night. Judge Martin's resignation as Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand was received by the Government on January 4th.