A Lazy Sea-Cook.

NZ Truth, Issue 230, 20 November 1909, Page 7

A Lazy Sea-Cook.

•Mary Sheridan thought that as her darling "hubby," Alfred Sheridan, had not contributed anything to her support, for long, long years, and as Alfred had cleared for King Ned's Cold Country some time ago, that she had better be clear of Alfred for good. Mary brought along Solomon, K.C., m his silk gown, to lend dignity to the proceedings, and, incidentally, to hold up before the official gaze Alfred's . surpassing laziness and : general conduct not befitting a decent married man. Lawyer Solomon, K.C., explained that Alfred was a cook on a small coasting vessel, and he and Mary had bought a ring and paid the parson a few shekels, m 1.883, but, although. Alfred fetched info this wicked world a large family, he never showed- any great enthusiasm m ■ PROVIDING THE "NECESSARY" for their keep. Alfie had since cleared to the Old Country. He called Mary, to tell Ms -Honor all about it. Mary, m evidence, said she was 42 years of age. She married her skipping spouse m 1883 m Holy Dunedin. Alfred was a sea-cook. After they got married, they lived m lodgings, ■ but ' lier father, later, bought some furniture for them, and they took a house of their own. They had four children j but Alfred had never contributed towards their support. He. suffered from the tired feeling, and , could not hold down his jobs worth a cent. Her father lited to p&y the rent for them. About 14 years ago, Alfred jgofc a job on a boat tr.vJiDg to Auckland, but only lasted one trip. He returned to Dunedin, and told her tho work was too hard. They , ;. HAD ANGRY WORDS about it, and Alfred departed Jpr fresh | climes that night and never returned io the bosom ot his family. He afterwards got the position of caretaker ot the City Hall, Dunedin, but never came ivPar his loving wife and family. Alfred Aid Hot even notice them . on the street ] but .occasionally gave the children a few shillings. ..jrjvc years ago,, the children told her that "poor father" was going to the Old Country to see his people. Since then, sliii had not heard from Al-j fxed, and the faithless one did not scud hei nhv money. Her brother had assisted her, and she had had a hard struggle to keep Alfie's children. Jane Sheridan, Alfred's daughter, reirscmlierwl ' ' ' : . HER BRILLIANT FATHER -telling her he was going "home" about j Jive ycais ago. She corroborated her mo- j .ther's evidence. When slie saw her father ifjJl.. she didn't think he was going for good. • "Poor father" used to write to her, but had ceased that educative practice f lwo years ago. -•■ <•--■ •••■■ -■? Albert Quime, brother of Mary, gave Evidence as to Alfred's laziness and :Mar."'s hard struggle to keep things going.. His Honor granted a decree nisi, to be niade absolute m three mouths.