"A VERY FOOLISH MAN."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19608, 9 April 1927, Page 14

"A VERY FOOLISH MAN."

TAURANGA DIVORCE CASE.

A DETERMINED RESPONDENT.

DESPAIR OF HIS OWN COUNSEL.

" You are a very foolish man. You employ counsel, who is experienced in these matters, and then refuse to accept his advice," said Mr. Justice Stringer in the Supreme Court yesterday when Charles Frederick Oliver, of Tauranga (Mr. Osborne Lilly), persisted in a denial of the allegation of drunkenness and cruelty mada by his wife, Sarah V, Oliver (Mr Singer), in <> 'petition for divorce. Mr. Singer said that for many years petitioner had been ths victim of respondent's drunken conduct and attempts to ruin a small business which she maintained for the support of herself and the child. Respondent's numerous police court convictions proved bis course of behaviour. Petitioner stated in evidence that the marriage took place in 1907. Since 1917 she had suffered from her husband's drinking and cruelty. In March, 1925, she obtained a separation order against him. He had been convicted several times for drunkenness and twice for annoying her after the separation. In December, 1926, he received a sentence of six weeks' imprisonment. On one occasion respondent had pursued her with a carving knife. He broke plates when in drinking bouts, and on a winter night had forced witness and her daughter out of the house in their night attire. Servics oc School Committees. Mr. Osborne Lilly: Your husband served on school committees ?—'Yes. He has been president of the regatta club and an officer of the Rugby Union ? —I do not know about that. His Honor: He may have fulfilled those duties admirably. Mr. Lilly: He would need to live a Jekyll and Hyde existence. His lienor: He appears to have confined these brutalities to his home. Norma Oliver corroborated her mother's evidence. After conferring with his client Mr. Lilly said respondent still wished to continue the case and to give his version from the witness box. His Honor: I think he would show a good deal of discretion if he kept out of the witness box. I will say now that if he denies everything I will not believe him. Mr. Lilly: In the face of his insistence 1 will have to throw in my brief. Respondent: Can I ask a question ? Warning from the Judge. . His Honor: If you have anything to say go into the box, but be careful. Respondent took the oath and was again cautioned by Mr. Lilly. Under examination he admitted the convictions, but denied that they proved habitual drunkenness. He referred to financial matters. His Honor: Your financial affairs are not a ground for getting drunk.

Witness offered His Honor papers which he said disclosed his life history. " I have the sympathy of the community and most of what my wife said was imagination," he continued. Mr. Singer: He is a man of education. «

Respondent: I am not". I passed the third standard. I am a self-taught man. His Honor: An exceedingly foolish man.

A decree nisi was granted. Respondent delivered himself of a parting shot when leaving the court: " Thank you, Mr. Singer, for ruining a good man's life." He also offered his own counsel a doubtful compliment.