DIVORCE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 5 April 1928, Page 8

DIVORCE.

A -DECLINE LAST YEAH.

CAUSES OF TROUBLE ANALYSED. SPECIAL TO TH3 STAR. WELLINGTON, April 4. Elaborate statistical analysis of the incidence and cause of divorce in New Zealand are made by the Government statistician, who reports that the number of petitions in 1907 totalled 722, a- drop of sixteen on the year. The immediate post-war period was more prolific in divorces, and! the recent figures have been exceeded on six occasions. The number of decrees nisi last year, 029, has, however, iboen exceeded on only two occasions, and the decrees absolute, 540 are 74 fewer than the record total of 1926. As for the causes of divorce, it is stated that separation for three years or more ranked as the principal reason, closely followed by desertion and adultry. Husbands’ petitions numbered 342, and wives’ 380, and the figures show that the average duration of the marriages concerned As just over 13 years. The relative ages of the parties counts for a good deal, according to the statistics; for an analysis with this in view discloses a very large proportion of cases where the wife was very young at marriage. While there were •80 divorces where the wife was older than the husband, there were 140 where the husband was five to nineyears older than the wife. 'Comparison of the marriage tables for 1926 with the divorce proceedings -of last year suggests, says the statistician, . ‘ £ tliat the mere ago of the bride is a much more important factor than the disparities between the ages of husband and wife.” The following- figures illustrate this l interesting point:— Marriages ''Divorces 1926 392i7 Cases where wife under 23 39”' 60” Husband younger than wife .... IS* - 17* Husband older than wife .... 3S* 39* *lndieatc‘s percentage of total. Only four petitions were filed for judicial separation, and one granted. Petitions for restitution of conjugal rights numbered 91, compared with 8(5 in the previous year. Decrees wore granted in 72- cases.