A SOLDIER’S STORY

Taranaki Daily News, 31 January 1930, Page 12

A SOLDIER’S STORY

MAINTENANCE OF WIFE. ENGLISH ORDER CONFIRMED. . An unusual case was heard in the Hamilton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, when Mr. J. F. Strang made application on behalf of Harold Ernest Varnham, aged 34, a returned soldier, to refuse to confirm an order made in England that he pay £2 per week towards his wife’s maintenance. Mr. Strang asked that the order be remitted back to England for further consideration. In support of his application, Mr. Strang said his client left New Zealand with the 15th Reinforcements in 1916. While in England he met the complainant, and after a week’s acquaintance he married her in 1917, and they lived a few days together in London before he returned to France, where he was seriously wounded. There were no children of the marriage. While in' France his client received a letter from a man named Frost, who stated that he loved Mrs. Varnham, and that his love was reciprocated. Misconduct was alleged. Frost asked Varnhhm to take steps to divorce the woman, but he declined to do go. However, he cancelled his allowance to his wife. Varnham then came out to New Zealand alone, without informing his wife he had left. While in this country he received a letter from his father-in-law stating that his wife had turned over a new leaf. Varnham agreed to take back his wife, and she came out to New Zealand. They lived together, in Levin for about 12 months, during which time Varnham studied to be a dental mechanic. While at Levin Varnham communicated the contents of Frost’s letter to his wife. She admitted Frost’s statements were true, and stated that Frost had committed suicide. She asked to be forgiven, and Varnliam did so. However, she had an uncontrollable temper, and there were many differences between them. They lived at Stratford for a couple of years, where Varnham obtained a position, but in 1924 they decided to return to England. Mr. Strang added that his client was then receiving a permanent war pension of £2 10s. weekly, and he continued to maintain his wife on this. ENTERTAINS SUSPICIONS.. . While living at Ilford, in Essex, Varnham became suspicious of his wife’s conduct. While living in certain premises they were suddenly asked to quit.’ Id England, added Mr. Strang, there were several witnesses willing to be called and to give evidence in support of the allegations made by his client. Subsequently his client introduced to his wife Mary Bains, a dental nurse who had been working for his employed. His suspicions of his wife’s behaviour were confirmed by Miss Bains, who said she could no longer act as companion to Mrs. Varnham. There was a subsequent conversation between Miss Bains and her brother, as a result of which Varnham and his wife parted company. Varn/iam and his wife could not agree on the terms of separation, so the former decided that his best course was to return to New Zealand. Varnham went into the box and gave evidence on the above statements. His Worship held that nothing had been proved but suspicions, and there was insufficient evidence to remit the case back to England for evidence. He therefore confirmed the order.