DIVORCE GRANTED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23115, 13 August 1938, Page 22

DIVORCE GRANTED

DAMAGES FOR HUSBAND £l5O AGAINST CO-RESPONDENT THE VALUE OF A WIFE The value of a wife to a husband was a question which a jury was asked to decide in a divorce cnse heard before Sir. Justice Callan in the Supreme Court yesterday. The petitioner was Basil Quinton Giinblett, hairdresser, of Newmarket (Mr. Spence), the respondent Ad:i Ellen Giinblett (Mr. Matthews), and the co-respondent Tom Sullivan, mill hand, of Taumarunui (Mr. Duggan). It was alleged by the petitioner, who was married in 1928, that the respondent had committed adultery with the co-respondent ia Taumarunui botween December 5, 1937, and April 3, and at Auckland on April 16. The petitioner sought a divorce and the custody of his two children, and claimed £l5O damages and costs. Mr. Duggan was granted leave by the Court to withdraw the answer filed by the co-respondent. At the conclusion of evidence on behalf of the petitioner, Air. Matthews said he was authorised by tlio respondent to admit the material allegation of adultery; the respondent, however, did not admit everything alleged. Counsel said he would not call evidence. Mr. Duggan said he also did not propose to call evidence. His Honor, in addressing the jury, said damages in an allegation of adultery were given by way of compensation only for the petitioner's loss of his wife. Because of that it was necessary to consider what was the value of a wife. The value of a wife, His Honor added, had two aspects. The first depended on the wife's fortune and ability and assistance in the home or business, and the second depended on her character and ability as a wife or mother. _ / The jury returned a verdict that adultery had been committed by the respondent and awarded the petitioner £l5O damages, the full amount claimed, against the co-respondent. His Honor granted the petitioner a decree. nisi, custody of the children, damages and costs.