PETITIONS FOR DIVORCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16382, 9 November 1916, Page 5

PETITIONS FOR DIVORCE

UNDEFENDED CASES.

SUIT AGAINST A CLERK.

WRITTEN ADMISSION OF GUILT.

A srrrmo of the Divorce Court was held yesterday, when several undefended cases were dealt with. His Honor Mr. Justice Hosking presided.

The grounds for the application for the dissolution of the marriage between Charlotte Elizabeth Weston Campbell (Mr. E. J. Prendergast) and Donald Campbell, a clerk, were adultery. For the petitioner, Mr. Prendergast stated that the couple were married on July 13, 1901, at the Congregational Church, Port Esperance, Tasmania. Of five issue of the marriage three were now living.

In the course of her evidence the petitioner said that three weeks after her marriage her husband commenced to drink heavily. Although he had on one occasion kept away from drink for one year he was subject to very frequent outbursts of insobriety. For the last six or seven years she had been compelled to go out to work to keep herself and her home going. During one of his drinking bouts he had threatened her with a revolver, and on another occasion had chased her with a knife. She instituted divorce proceedings against her husband. When charged with committing the acts of misconduct, he admitted the charges, and had signed a statement to that effect.

His Honor said the proof of misconduct was very narrow, and there was no confirmation, except the husband's written admission. He adjourned the case until Saturday, in order that counsel could quote. authorities relating to granting divorces on written admissions of guilt.

LAND AGENT'S PETITION.

DECREE NISI GRANTED.

The petition of William Alfred Home, land agent, of Auckland (Mr. J. R. Lundon), for the dissolution of his marriage with Lizzie Home, on the ground of misconduct with Charles Seymour Pratt, was granted, the Judge allowing a decree nisi, to be moved absolute at the expiration of three months.

Previous notice was given in this case by the respondent and the co-respondent's solicitor, Mr. A. L. Denniston, to defend the action, but when the case was called Mr. Denniston asked leave to withdraw, as neither of his clients wished to proceed anv further with the defence. The application was granted. The parties were married on December 8, 1905, at Masterton. They lived at Chriatchuroh, Masterton, and Auckland. There were six children of the marriage, two only of whom were now alive. Evidence w.is given by petitioner, who «tated that he had been separated from his wife since October, 1915. Their cjis positions were totally different, and they never agreed. His evidence relating to the act of misconduct was corroborated by Albert William Littlejohn, a plumber, who was employed to watch the respondent and the co-respondent. No order was made respecting the children, who are at present in the custody of the petitioner. The latter's offer to nay a sum of 30s a week towards the cost of respondent's maintenance was accepted. The co-respondent was ordered to pay to the petitioner a sum of £20, costs, and other disbursements.

RESULT OP DRINKING HABITS.

COMPLAINT OF A WIFE.

Clara Alice Maud Godkin (Mr. R. J. Cbates) applied for a divorce from her husband, George Godkin, described as a carter, on the grounds of desertion and habitual failure to maintain. Counsel stated that the parties were married Tft St. Stephen's Church, Opotiki, on July 3, Two children were born of the marriage, both being sons, one of whom had been killed at the war. After the marthey went to live at Thames, where the respondent went into the hotel business. Afterwards they went on to a farm at Whafcatane, and eventually they came to Auckland, where the respondent purchased a share in a carrying business. He commenced to drink heavily, and finally lost his share in the business.

After the hearing of evidence a decree nisi was granted to be moved absolute at the expiration of three months. No order for costs was • -ae.