MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXII, Issue LXII, 31 July 1911, Page 7

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

In the Magistrate's Court this morning, Mr Kenrick, S.M., presiding, Margaret Hastie proceeded against A. J. Hastie for a separation order upon the grounds of persistent cruelty arid, desertion.

Mr Cohen, of Wanganui, appeared for the informant, and Mr Sellar, of Mr HalliwelFs office, for the defendant. Mr Sellar asked for an adjournment for two weeks. He understood when the case was first before the Court and subsequently withdrawn that it was not going to be proceeded with. Defendant, who had been served with a summons on July 22, had been absent in Auckland and counsel had not been able to consult with him. He was not ready to go on with the case. He had received word from defendant that he would be unable to reach Hawera until to-night. Mr Cohen opposed the application, and this was supported by the Magistrate, who considered defendant could have been in Hawera by to-day. The case would have to go on. Mr Sellar said he could not possibly take part under the circumstances. By defendant's non-appearance he was placed a very awkward position. _The Magistrate said he quite agreed with Mr Sellar, but there was no excuse for Mr Hastie's non-appearance; he ought to be present. Mr Sellar: I think, under the circumstances, I will have to withdraw from the case.

Mr Cohen had proceeded with his opening address when he was approached by Mr Sellar. As the result of a hurried consultation Mr Cohen announced that he would consent to an adjournment until two o'clock to enable Mr Sellar to communicate with Mr Hastie in regard to an offer for settlement. The adjournment was accordingly granted, and upon the Court resuming this afternoon Mr Cohen said he was pleased to bef^able to say that there would be a consent to an order for a separation and a maintenance order for £3 per week, with the provision that Mr Hasiie could, on seven days 'notice, make an application to vary the order.

An order was made accordingly, witlf .costs. ■•'