Elopement and Divorce.

Hastings Standard, Issue 33, 4 June 1896, Page 4

Elopement and Divorce.

A juvenile romance of twenty years ago came to an romantic conclusion recently in the Divorce Court, Sydney. The first case of the sittings: before Mr Justice Simpson was that of Green v. Green. This was a petition by the wife for dissolution of her marriage on the ground of desertion, The petitioner was Ann Green, formerly Cut ton of 239 George-street North, Sydney, and the respondent, Charles Green, whose address in the petition was given as Stanthorpe, Queensland. The parties were man ied at Stanthorpe, according to tin- rites of the Church of England, on May 11, lrtOG. At the time of the marriage petitioner resided with her parents at Maryland, New South Wales, which is not far from Stanthorpe. Petitioner was then attending a convent school, and in her evidence she stated that when she was married she was only 11 wars of age.

Mr Justice Simpson : The certificate of marriage gives your age as 18. Petitioner explained that that was what the respondent gave as her age at the time. She had previously run away with her husband, and was travelling for two da on horseback with him before they \> t-- brought back. Petitioner's father w.i- averse to the marriage, but circumstances aro*> which caused him to change his mind, and he was present at the weddintr. The parties lived together for 16 year.? bat their relations v.ere no* of alai p\ character. In ls'.»2 re-p mdt at •_ r into trouble over some debts, and then deserted petitioner. This was at Newcastle. Thev had previously lived at Maryland and Glen limes. Two years ago petitioner summoned respondent for maintenance for her family, and he was ordered by the Newcastle magistrates to pay 10s a week. This order was never obeyed. She asked him several limes to make a home for her. but he never lived with hi r a', r ain. Twelve months last Christina-, -die saw him, but then thought it u-,o T e-s to ask him to provide for her. One ur two letters passed lx tw. > n them. Mr Justice Simpson : It seems that in a letter he said that if you would go to him he would provide a house for yon.

Petitioner: There was nothing to pat in the house. It was two years ago when he made that offer. At that time he said had he an empty house and fonr walls were good enough for me—that he was tired of me.

Mr -Justice Simpson : Is that what he said in the letter ? Petitioner : Yes. He also said he would provide for the children if I were dead, but that while I lived he would pay nothing. Mr Justice Simpson : Did you answer that letter ? Petitioner: No. Mr Justice Simpson : Where is the respondent now ? Petitioner: I believe he is living with his father somewhere about Sydney. lie did nothing for me, and for two or three years I was working in the tin mines at Stanthorpe. Respondent was then riding about mustering cattle, and sometimes I did not see him for three weeks at a time. He was earning money, but he only gave me 30s in 15 months. My father had died, and my mother w;is left with a lot of little children. It was then I wont to work in the mines.

Mr Justice Simpson : What ages are jo ! ir children ? Petitioner: The eldest daughter is &l>oufc twenty and married ; the second daughter is eighteen, and in service ; the youngest is eleven, and living h me. The two I .or sig. >1 sixteen 'ii* fourteen, go -htiiriuu'. I have 1 . il in Sydney for the la-t live years. I fie last time I saw mv husband he wa.s living in Newcastle with his sister, and was not working.

Mr Justice Simpson granted ade^ ree returnable in three month'*, with the custody of the children.