A DRAMATIC COURT CASE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2882, 16 June 1909, Page 43

A DRAMATIC COURT CASE.

♦ AUCKLAND, June 9. At the Police Court this afternoon Wm. Warner was charged on the information of his wife, with having failed to obey an order of the court to pay the sum of 10s per week towards her support. The

arrears not paid amounted to £20. The defendant made an application for the variation, suspension, or cancellation ot the order on the grounds of his wife's wasteful and intemperate habits, and her misconduct. After evidence had been given, his Worship ordered defendant to continue the payment of 10s a week to

his wife, and fined him 10s for neglecting to comply with the order. A rather dramatic interlude occurred when tho Magistrate remarked that until the defendant divorced his wife he was of opinion that the amount for maintenance must be paid. Mr Endean stated that it was intended that proceedings in divorce

should have been instituted in time for the present Supreme Court sitting, but difficulties in the way had prevented it from being done. The complainant then died out with great vehemence : " I won't be divorced ; I won't leave my husband,'" and, pointing to Warner, who was in the witness box, "That's the man I lo\e.

That's the man I want. If anyone separates me from my husband I'll poison myself." She then became hysterical, and stamped her foot and gesticulated theatrically. She was eventually conducted out of the court by the orderly, sobbing violently and calling out : "I won't leave my husband, not for you, anyway."