THE CRUICKSHANK CASE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6289, 21 September 1898, Page 4

THE CRUICKSHANK CASE.

The friends, and relatives in New Zealand of the Rev Herbert Cruickshank, formerly rector of West Tisted';'will -ba. seriously concerned to hear of the ' unmerited disgrace which has recently befallen his reverence. The circumstances were publicly disclosed before Justice Barnes on Wednesday, when Alice Emily Wood, formerly housekeeper at the rectory, charged her husband, the butler, with committing frequent adulteries with Mrs Cruickshank. There was no defence. Mrs Wood said she and her husband took service nt the rectory in 1895. There Wood treated her with cruelty. After a time petitioner made the astounding discovery that her husband was committing adultery with her mistress. This, it appeared, came to Mrs Cruickshank's knowledge, and she rushed up to the petitioner's room, went down on her knees, and implored her not to mention . the matter to the rector. She also implored Mrs Woods' forgiveness. Tilings went on tmsatisfactorily until about February of this year, when respondent and his mistress had, apparently, made up their minds to go away together. Mr Wood went to his wife and demanded her savings. She refused to give him any money, and he became very violent, and ; hurled her across the room. Petitioner, after this, told all to her master, who sent for Mrs Cruickshank and the respondent. They frankly confessed to him that they had been guilty of misconduct, adding that they had arranged to go off together, and had everything already packed up. Tlie rector thereupon caused the butler's boxes to be searched, and found that Wood had packed up somet hings belonging to the bouse. A local policeman was sent for, and respondent given into custody for theft, the vicar hoping that (this would change the graceless pair!s plans. No evidence was offered against - ; iWood, and he was discharged. Afterwards, '■Mrs Cruickshank and the respondent drove off together. They came to London and stayed at an ' hotel in Euston R-oad. Mr Wood subsequently went to Canada. The Rer Mr Cruickshank has , filed a suit against his wife.