BRUCE'S BAIRNS.

NZ Truth, Issue 510, 27 March 1915, Page 9

BRUCE'S BAIRNS.

Questions Mrs. Harris's Marriage.

A couple of weeks ngo, m the marlInl miseries conventlclo at Chrlstrhurch, a domuro damsel mimed Caroline Hruce buttonholed Beak JJlshop for an order which would separate her from her hubby. Tom Ted Jiruce. Caroline told a harrowing tale,- concerning Tom's treatment of her, and Tom m turn declined that Caroline reckoned «he wav hl« Mosea and bombarded him with me household delf until he had to take refuge under the bod. Tho S.M., after hearing all the evidence, reckoned the couple wi.-rc somewhat youthful to be parted, and the ca#e was .allowed to atand at ease. In the hope of toe twain coming to

their senses, Tom meanwhile to proi vide for his wife and weans.

Last week the case again bobbed up m Court, Tom this time being the aggressor and putting m for a variation of the order made a week or two previously.

Thomas explained that it wasn't m respect of the maintenance that he wanted the order varied, but on account of the children. They were continually playing m the gutter and only a day or two ago Tom saw one of them just miss getting churned up by a motor car. One of the kids visited Tom's ma recently and, when asked if he got plenty to eat, replied that his little blngey knew nothing but porridge and toast.

"Costs" Cassidy (for Caroline): The children are well cared for. Bruce is following a policy of irritation to drive the woman back to him.

The S.M.: Ifs his duty to protect his children if he has reason to believe that they aren't properly looked after. Tom Ted: The house isn't fit for them to live m. My wife's brother isn't married to the woman he's living with and I object to my children being brought up m that household.

"Costs" Cassldy: Even if that's true, your Worship, Mrs. Bruce knew nothing of it.

Tom: Yes, she does. She told me they weren't married.

The S.M.: Have you made any inquiries as to whether your accusation is correct?

Yes, I've hunted up the records at Chrlstchurch" and can't find any trace of the marriage. When I talked to my wife about the foolishness of getting a reparation, she said, "Oh. a separation's nothing." Then, when I asked her how the children would get on, she replied that they could take their chance, juet the same as others had to do. . The S.fcl.: The matter had better be adjourned for a week and meantime a subpoena will be served on this woman's brother, Arthur Harris. Tom: His wife is m Court, yer Worship. Oh, is she? Put her m the box then. A comely little lady, giving her name as Elizabeth Catherine Harris tripped into the witness-box and was asked by the S.M., "Are you married to Arthur Harris?" Elizabeth: Yes. It's only fair to tell you that this man (Bruce) has stated that you are merely living with Harris. Do you deny that? He's got to prove that I'm not married to Harris. Oh, no, not just at present It's for you now to swear that you are married to him. Well, I am. We were married on August 22, 1914, at the Registrar's office, Christchurch. And has Bruce any reason to say that you're not married? — None whatever. The case was adjourned, m prder that it could be offlcjally ascertained whether anybody was fibbing.