DOINGS IN DIVORCE

NZ Truth, Issue 685, 27 July 1918, Page 6

DOINGS IN DIVORCE

The Tie of the Tynans A SAD SCENE IN COURT (From "Truth's" Auckland Rep.) A couple of undefended divorce petitions occupied the time of Mr. Justice Cooper this week, at the Auckland Supreme Court. Ellen Tynan, represented by Lawyer G. J. Prendergast, sought the dissolution of her marriage with William Tynan, on the ground that he had been convicted of attempting to murder one of their children. Formal evidence was given that respondent was sentenced m September, 1914, to SEVEN TEARS HARD LABOR for attempting to murder his little girl. His Honor recalled that the trial had taken place before him, and that the defence had been a plea of insanity. The petitioner gave evidence that the marriage took place m Auckland m 1886, and there were eight children. She said that the respondent was addicted to drink almost from the first, and eight years ago she left him, taking the younger children with her. Tynan, an elderly, grey-headed man, was present m custody, and because he had put m an informal answer to the petition, 'he was given an opportunity of addressing the court. He requested that (he might be allowed to have some say as to the custody of the children, and His Honor agreed that he should be duly notified when the decree absolute was applied for. When the question came up for discussion, Tynan said he still loved his wife as much as ever, and asked that he might be allowed to shake fiands with her. There was ho objection, and the couple kissed each other and Tynan left the court bidding LOUD FAREWELLS TO HIS WIFE. His Honor then granted a decree nisi, and stated that the Divorce Act expressly provided that when a man had teen convicted of attempting to murder his wife or one' of her children, the conviction was a sufficient ground for divorce. •