SEPARATION GRANTED

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11981, 23 February 1932, Page 4

SEPARATION GRANTED

BROOKES v. BROOKES. In the Eketahuna Court yesterday morning Mr J. Miller, S.M gave reserved judgment in the, application of Mrs J. Brookes for a separation order, custody and maintenance for children. (Details of the, case appear on page 7). The Magistrate traversed the evidence at considerable length. The proof of ill-usage was quite sufficient to justify the order, but the l conduct had to be co-nsidejred of a neighbour, Campbell. Relations between the. parties had been fairly satisfactory until the, appearance of Campbell. Then Brookes became violently jealous,, ill-treated b.is wife and used physical violence. The situation became, a neurotic obsession with him. Mrs Brookes, however, had aggravated tlie position in a letter. The writing of this was a most unwise action and was likely only to inflame Brookes and cause further ill-treatment. He was satisfied that at all times Campbell’s status was only purely neighbourly. Brookes was not an ideal husband and his drinking habits were exasperating. It was natural that Brookes’ own ccnduct formed a basis of coolness on the part of his wife. On a number of occasions drink was the direct cause of trouble. If the letter had not been written there would he no difficulty in the case, hut he would accept Mrs Brookes’ explanation tliough- the, letter was very ill-ad-vised and was only bound to increase, the trouble. The order would he granted—separation, custody of children, and ma.intona.no.> ot children £1 per week. Solicitors costs were granted at £4 4s.—Express.