MIXED MARRIAGES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7847, 8 July 1911, Page 4

MIXED MARRIAGES

DIFFICULTY OVER CHILDREN'S RELIGION. FBESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, July 7. An Interesting case Illustrative of the result of mixed marriage occupied Mr Kettle at the S.M. Court to-day. A man named Ivan Tchernegoskr was charged with having attempted to leave New Zealand without making adequate provision for his wife and family. Mr Hanna, who appeared f.ir plaintiff, stated the couple were married scv. nteen years ago, and there were four children. There were two sons in Auckland, while the other two children were at Blenheim. He asked for the control of the other two children and an order of 20s per week. Mr Singer, who appeared for defendant, explained that the two children at Blenheim were being brought up as Protestants, and the mother was a Catholic. Mr Kettle said if the husband and wife were living together he could see no reason for leaving the two children at Blenheim. ... The defendant said the children were being kept at Blenheim free of charge. Mr Kettle: What is your real reason? Defendant: The priest interfering. She will not allow the children to be reared in the Protestant faith. ■ . Mr Hanna: This question of religion is always cropping up in these cases. The wife: XIo promised that the children should be brought t up as Catholics. That is in writing on the marriage certificate at the church in Wellington. Mr Kettle: If that is so he should stand bv Ms promise. Defendant: It may be a wrong thing, hut I will try in every way •to prevent these children being reared as Catholics The wife ; His promise is written in the church at .Wellington. Mr Kettle: Is that so? Defendant: It is seventeen years ago. I remember a verbal promise. Mr Kettle: Why do you want to break that promise? Defendant: Because I see things differently now. Mr Kettle said the real trouble was that the man wanted to go back anon the pro-Mee made at his marriage that anv children should bo reared in the mother's faith Defendant said that as soon as he cotrid afford it he proposed to institute proceedings for divorce. ' r r Hanna said his client would a’ao have insti'uted proceedings for di’Orcc were it not she was prohibited by the Te-efs of her faithThe case was adjourned for a week.