HUSBAND'S CRUELTY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19511, 15 December 1926, Page 17

HUSBAND'S CRUELTY.

REVELATIONS IN COURT. STUDY OF THEOSOPHY BLAMED. ADVICE FROM THE JUDGE. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON, Tuesday. Unusual circumstances were revealed in connection with the domestic life of Ernest Edward Williams, of .Rotorua (Mr. Davys), when lie appealed in the Supreme Court to-day against the order for maintenance made in the Magistrate's Court in respect of his wife. The magistrate had ordered Williams to pay £4 a week to his wife and £2 a week in respect of his two children. The respondent, Grace Olive Williams (Mr. Basley), gave evidence that she and her husband had been married for 13 years, and there were two children of the marriage. The order was made on the grounds of persistent cruelty. Up to a few years ago, continued respondent, their married life was quite happy, but her husband took up the .study of theosophy. Since then he had neglected his business and had been guilty of acts d: cruelty, and respondent had had to look after his affairs. He stayed in bed until mid-day and studied in the afternoon. He had struck her in the face with his clenched fist, chased her with a carviug knife, used objectionable language to her, Esnd had ordered her out of the house. Respondent said she had pleaded with her husband to resume the old happy life, but he replied that if she and the children would take up the study of theosophy they would gain great benefit. He refused to have anything to do with them otherwise. Constance Finn, a maid employed by Mrs. Williams, gave evidence that appellant had been persistently cruel to his wife, striking her, using bad language and neglecting her and the children. Appellant demied the allegations of cruelty and said he wanted his children back. He was unable to pay £6 a week maintenance. His Honor said he thought the amount rather high, but considered, the magistrate was justified in making the order on the grounds of persistent cruelty. The Judge thought that if appellant gave up his theosophy and did a little work he would be better able to meet the order. However, he could apply to the magistrate later for a variation of the order, when he would be able to give proof of his financial position.