AN AUNT IN THE HOUSE

Southland Times, Issue 19311, 1 August 1924, Page 8

AN AUNT IN THE HOUSE

CAUSE OF ESTRANGEMENT. “This is a domestic estrangement in which I think I should not interfere,’ said Mr Wyvern Wilson, S.M., in dismissing an application for maintenance in the Christchurch Court this week. He stated that he believed that an estrangement between a young couple was caused by the presence of an aunt in the house. He added that he believed young couples should be left alone to mould their own tastes in common without outside interference. The defendant attributed the trouble to the desire of his wife’s aunt to rule the household. The complainant said that she knew her husband had left his employment last April. She had received £3 from him recently, but she had not touched it. Her husband stayed out very late at night. She denied that her aunt was the cause of the trouble. Defendant said that he married the complainant while overseas during the war period, and had sent for her after his return t-o New Zealand. She came out accompanied by .her aunt, and the latter had caused all the trouble. EQs father was willing to help him while he was out of work provided the aunt did not remain in the house. Previously he and his wife, children and aunt had lived with his father, but had had to leave on account of the aunt.

The Magistrate said he could not make an order, as the husband was out of work. It would not be wise, in any case, as it would accentuate the estrangement. He believed that the presence of the aunt in the house caused the trouble. The aunt should go out and pay her board. The application was dismissed.