DIVORCE SOUGHT

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24042, 13 August 1941, Page 10

DIVORCE SOUGHT

HUSBAND'S PETITION FAILS HEARING OCCUPIES FOUR DAYS After a four-day hearing the jury reached a verdict in favour of the respondent and co-respondent yesterday in the case in which Christian Peter Bayer, farmer (Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Biernacki), sued for divorce from Kathleen Hilda Bayer (Mr. Schramm). Mr. Justice fair was on the Bench. Petitioner alleged that his wite had been guilty of adultery with Francis Weeh, farmer (Mr. Matthews), who was named as the co-respondent, and he sought £750 damages from Weeh and the custody of the two children of the marriage.

In his summing-up Mr. Justice Fair emphasised that in such eases the law required that the charges made should be specific and refer to definite times and places. He expressed the view that the petitioner's evidence was open to the gravest criticism in several respects.

The jury was absent for an hour and three-quarters, and the foreman then said they considered the charges of adultery not proved. His Honor dismissed the petition and reserved the question of costs. Ho added that, though he quite agreed with the verdict, he was quite sure that no one could have done more on behalf of his client than did Mr. Sullivan.

WIFE GRANTED DECREE SEPARATION SINCE 1938 Separation of the parties since April, 1938, having been proved, a decree nisi was granted by Mr. Justice Fair yesterday to Helen Kstelle I?oilly (Mr. Schramm) against Robert James Reilly. Petitioner said the separation was caused by her husband's drinking and gambling habits and his failing to provide for her.