SCANDAL IN CHRISTCHURCH.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 9779, 15 January 1901, Page 3

SCANDAL IN CHRISTCHURCH.

DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS. RESIGNATION OF MR JUSTICE MARTIN. (Ohristchurch Press.) On Friday the people of Christchurcl : generally, and Fendalton in particular • received a violent , shock when aruinoi gained ciroiilation that a gentlcmai holding a high judicial appointment, t< which he had recently been pormanejitlj appointed, had entered into relations with a married lady, which afforded grounds for an aotiou for divorce. It was a man iu tho street kind-of ruuior, the truth of which was at first indig-nantly-denied by the many friends of the gentleman in question. Howover, unfortunately, it turned out to bo too true, and tho .information obtained on Saturday seems to point to tho gravest scandal in connection with tho Supremo Court Bench which has ovor occurred iu New Zealand. The parties implicated are Mr Justice Martin, who was recently appointed as permanent Jrnlgo of the Supremo Court, and Mrs Simms, wife of Mr W, H. Simms, in business hero as Simms and Soas, and for some time German Consular Agent in Christchurch. Mr and Mrs Simms resided in Feudalton, near to the house occupied by Mr Martin's father and mother, and during his visit to Canterbury on business connected with his judicial duties, tit Martin stayed with his father and mother. An acquaintance had bcon formed between himself and Mrs Simms, which had-existed some time prior to Mr Martin's removal to Wellington. On tho occasion of his visits to Canterbury, more particularly during tho period that ho was discharging tho duties of Mr Justice Donniston, Sir Martin and Mrs Simms were frequently together, taking walks through tho Park, going excursions to the Port Hills, etc. Some little gossip arose out of this, and, it is stated, Mr Simms remonstrated with his wife on tho imprudence of this conduct, the more so as it was causing a considerable amount of talk in- the neighborhood, and amongst the circle of their friends. Mrs Simms, however, persistently stated that there was nothing but friendship between Mr Martin and herself, and continued to go out with him as before. This, it is alleged, created some dissension between Mr and Mrs Simms, and strained relations ensued. Ultimately Mrs SiUmis proposed, and the proposal was concurred in by Mr Simms, that the lady should pay a visit to her mother in Australia, Arrangements were accordingly made, and Mrs Simms left for Australia to stay some littlo time with her friends there. No suspicion was entertained that anything was wrong at all. Subsequently Mr Martin also ■went over to Australia, iu order, as it was supposed to attend tho Commonwealth celebrations, but, in reality, it would appear, to join Mrs Simms. The revelation, which came with startling effect npon the parties herd more immediately concorned, was contained iu letters addressed by Mrs Simms to her husbaud, and by Mr Marlin to his solicitor, Mr H. Cottorill, which left no doubt as to tho relations existing between the parties. The letter written to Mr Simms stated that Mr Martin and herself were livipg as man and wife, and intended to contiuno to do so, and that she did not intend to return to her husband and family. Tho letter of Mr Martin to Mr Cotterill, it is stated, coutained the same information as that given by Mrs Simms to her husband, viz,, that tlioy wore living as man and Wife, and that ho had no iutention of returning to New Zealand, He also stated that if Mr Simms took any steps to procure a divorce there would bo no defence made, and no appearance entored either by Mrs Simms or himself, The astonishment with which these letters were received by those to whom they were addressed may well be imagined. Though rumor had been busy with the names of tho two person sraost concerned, not the slightest idea existed that such a sensational denouement would take phce as that which his happened, . Mrs Simms, it may bp not :;1, has two Children, the eldest of which is about eleven years of age.

Tbo first feeliug oil tlio rumor gaining gi'ound was, as already been said, one of disbelief that Mr Martin was the person implicated. Indeed, so far as can be learnt, the report was treated as a canard. _ When, however, cjnfirmation came of it, regret was universally expressed at the abrupt and ignominious conclusion of a career which had so mqch promise in it, This was the more intsusilled because Mr Martin was a Cauterhtiry boy, and one who had bsen identified with numerous matters connected with Clirisfcchurch for so many years. His excellent carc3r in cannection with Volunteering had made him a wide circle of friends, who watched his work in his new sphere as a member of the Judicial Bench of the colony with the greatest interest, It is understood that instructions nave been given by Mr bimms to his Solicitor to at once institute proceedings for a divorce, and the requisite steps Will at once be taken. It is not known what proceedings will 1)9 taken by Mrs Martin, or whether she Will also institute proceedings. Whether this is done or not, neither Mr Martin Cor Mrs Simms intends, as far as can be, gathered from their correspondence, to offer any defence, The petition to be filed by Mr Simms will therefore .be heard without any opposition. Mr Martin, it may be added, entered the firm of Duncan, Cottsrill, and Martin some years ago, and became Crown Prosecutor, succeeding the late Mr Thomas Smith Duncan on his death. Subsequently he accepted the Eesident feistrapy of "Wellington, and was Afterwards appointed Public Trustee, He paid a visit to England, and on re* turning was offered and accepted a temporary appointment as judge of tlie Supreme Court, and for some time filled the position of judge of the Arbitration Court in place of Mr Justice Edwards, He took up the work of; the Canterbury cironit during the absenco of Mr Justice Denniston to England, and discharged the duties up to the Christmas Vacation, He then went on liis trip to Australia. On January 4th he resigned his appointment aa judge, but it was supposed at the time that lie was merely resigning the acting.judgeship prior to taking up the permanent appointment, The great interest which Mr Martin always took in all.forms of athletic sport is well known, and even when , holding! jus official positions he continued to identify himself with It wore ou loss, He was one of the founders of the WeiWf! Physical Training Sohool, of which he is the president, and when in an infrequent visi» By m - He was very popular with the members there, and the pre--ft I ®* T > foe represents now competing Lt w Mcl "1?- ifi to most ..jpeople-as a considerable shock. - . Mr Martin, viho., is about forty-six