ABSENT WIVES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23208, 30 November 1938, Page 18

ABSENT WIVES

PETITIONS FOE EETUEN HUSBANDS TAKE ACTION AN ESTRANGEMENT ON SHIP Two cases in which husbands sought the aid of the Court in securing that their wives return to them were heard by Mr. Justice Callan in the. Supreme Court yesterday. A story of estrangement t-liat occurred between liiiu and his wile during a voyage to Sydney was told o\ Archie Gordon Stewart (.Mr. Haigh), in support of his petition for u decree for restitution of conjugal rights against Blanche Thomasina Stewart. The marriage took place on December 22 last, and on March 8 they left for South Africa. On the boat, petitioner said, his wife became excited and strained, and the night before they reached Sydney she said she would not go on to South Africa with him. Refore their marriage her home had been in Queensland. Heated arguments took place, and in Sydney sho went to an hotel by herself. Petitioner Returns Alone

In view of the trouble that had occurred. petitioner said, ho returned to New Zealand alone. His wiffc eventually agreed to return to him from Australia, and he sent her money, but she did not coma. Subsequently, he got a communication from a solicitor saying that she was in Auckland. Sho had refused to return to him, and he had been advised that she was a member of a concert party that was touring New Zealand.

His Honor issued a decree for restitution of conjugal rights within 11 days of service.

A decree for restitution of conjugal rights was sought by Dr. Frederick Charles Merritt Shortt (Mr. Wallace), against Rita Mary Abigail Shortt (Mr. Singer), to whom he was married at the registrar's office in Christchurch in January, 1927. Sequel to Trip to England I Petitioner said there was one child of the marriage. Last January, with his consent, his wife went a trip to England, the arrangement being that she was to return about June. When she did not return lie wrote to her, and she eventually came back on October 28. He found her manner toward him changed, and after, staying a few days in the house she left. She had since refused to return to him and expressed her intention of going again to England. In granting an order for the wife to return within 28 days His Honor said the matter had been expedited, as there was a likelihood of the respondent leaving New Zealand shortly.