APPLICATION BY A FARMER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15767, 16 November 1914, Page 3

APPLICATION BY A FARMER.

WIFE WHO WENT AWAY.

Desertion was the ground of an application by William Paul, farmer, of Komata (Mr. J. C. Martin), for a divorce from his wife, Virginia PauL The parties were married on April 17, 1877, at Shortland, Thames, petitioner then being 24 years old and respondent 19. Petitioner was a dairyman and his wife _a, servant. Mr. Martin said the marriage was unhappy almost from the start. There were five children of the

marriage. Petitioner stated that he bought two farms after the marriage, the second, being at Komata. The latter was bought at his wife's suggestion, and at first she was pleased with it. After the last child was born respondent left petitioner to go to her father, and said she would not treat petitioner as her husband again. She went away for 12 months, but was brought back by one of the 'sons. It was nearly 17 years ago that respondent finally left, her reason being that she " would not go on a rough farm." However, she now had a farm of her own, on which she was living with a son and the youngest daughter. No accusation of any sort had ever been brought against petitioner by respondent. After corroborative evidence had been given by petitioner's eldest son, William Paid, His Honor said he would reserve his decision, as he would have to consider the question of respondent's position in i the event of her health failing.