DIVORCE SOUGHT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22743, 1 June 1937, Page 12

DIVORCE SOUGHT

GROUND OF SEPARATION

PETITION BY HUSBAND WIFE CONTESTS ACTION On the ground of a separation order in existence since April, 19.51, l'rancis Montgomery .Moore Ritchie (Mr. Singer) petitioned for divorco from Clara Nitchie (Mr. Goldstino), before Mr. Justice Smith in the Supreme Court yesterday. The easo was contested. The parties were married at Epsom iu December, 192-1, and there are no children. The respondent alleged that the separation was due to her husband s wrongful acts, claiming that he had failed to provide her with adequate maintenance, and that between December, 19:50, and March, 19:51, he had shown coldness and indifference toward her, had struck and kicked her and threatened her. Tho petitioner said that about 1927 he had been giving his wife £5 10s a week and later when tho slump came about £5 a week. There was never any shortage of money about the home or complaint about that. His wife s nerves and temper got into a very bad state. She became very jealous and made a practice of following 'him On doctor's advice ho had her put in a nursing home, where he regularly visited her, but she became worse. Petitioner said his wife's health continued to be very bad, and after she had stayed with her sister she came home highly hysterical. He got a nursecompanion of her own choice for her, but his wife suddenly left him without warning or provocation. The petitioner, in cross-examination, denied various acts of cruelty to his wife alleged against him. He admitted having borrowed from her various sums amounting to £328, which he was now paying back. Evidence regarding the respondent's ill-health was given bv Mrs. M. A. G. Fuller-Sandys, who had nursed her for a time, and said she was a very difficult patient. Another nurse described her as highly nervous and disturbed and suffering from imaginary ills. She was extremely jealous of her husband. The hearing of tlio case will be continued to-daj-. UNDEFENDED OASES PETIT!ONS G RANTED Undefended divorce petitions were j granted by Mr. Justice C'allan in the Supreme Court yesterday. On the ground of a deed of separation existing since December, 1933, Clvde Ferras Sherley (Mr. Allan J. .Moody) sought divorce from Isabel Mary Sherley. Their marriage took place in March, 1916, and there are two children. A decree nisi was issued. In support of her petition for divorce from William John Barnes, Beatrice Barnes (Mr.. Allan J. Moody) gave evidence that they were married in November, 1928, and had mutually agreed to separate in March, 1931. A decree nisi was issued, and interim custody of the child given to the petitioner. Failure to comply with an order for tho restitution of conjugal rights made last November was the ground on which Frederick Nobert Abraham (Mr. Allan J. Moody) sought divorce from Elizabeth Florence Constance Abraham. They were married in April, 1933, and have one child. After evidence had been given that the re-r. tipondent had not complied with, the I order His Honor made a decree nisi.

TAURANGA FISHING CLUB MAYOR ISLAND'S FUTURE PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES [by telegraph—own correspondent] TAURANGA, Monday The value of Mayor Island as a base for deep-sea fishing was stressed at the annual meeting of the Tanranga Deep Sea Fishing Club. Mr. C. H. Burnett. M.P., said that the Hon. R. Semple had indicated that he strongly favoured the acquisition of the island by the Government. It was hoped that a meeting with the Minister would be arranged witliift a week to discuss the Government's intention regarding the purchase of the island.

Mr. A. J. Mirriellies said th.it Mayor Islaiul was a wonderful scenic reserve and a bird sanctuary. Tt was necessary for the club to gain the sympathy and assistance of another organisation which would assist in making the island a hotter bird sanctuary. It would be necessary to plant puriri, miro, flax, kowhai, tree lucerne and particularly bush fuchsia to feed the birds, which live on berries and nectar. There was no chance of life for tuis on tke island until nectar-producing and berry-bear-ing plants were established. The president, Mr. J. Mowlem, said he would attend a conference in Wellington regarding the acquisition of the island. The trophies won during the past season were presented as follows: Heaviest swordfish, H. Bureh, Remuera, broad bill, 6201 b.; heaviest shark, Mrs. Campbell Duncan, Rotorua, thresher shark, 7161b.; Preston Cup to boatman landing most fish on his launch, A. Fletcher, Naomi, and E. Chadban, Kingfish, tie, with 62 fish each. The election of officers resulted as follows:—Patron, Mr. C. H. Burnett, M.P.S president, Mr. .T. Mowlem; vicepresidents, Dr. J. S. Stenhouse and Mr. E. E. Preston; secretary, Mr. B. K. Gifford; committee, Messrs. H. A. Mollgaard, T. F. Iverridge, H. E. Olding, H. P. Anderson and A. Fletcher;.auditor, Mr. J. K. Lusk.