END OF A "CAUSE CELEBRE."

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7878, 19 January 1903, Page 2

END OF A "CAUSE CELEBRE."

COLLAPSE OF A DIVORCE SUIT AFTER FOUR YEARS. After being on the file for nearly four years, tho divorce petition presented by Captain Cameron Barclay, of the 10th Hussars, on the ground of the alleged misconduct of his wifo, the Hon Charlotte Ernestine Barclay, daughter of Lady Defies, with Mr ("}eorge I'hiy Che-twynd, was dismissed last: November with costs by Hr Justice Barnes without any evidence having been called in support of it. When the case was mentioned, Mr Barnard, for Captain Barclay, at once announced that no evidence would bo offered. Thereupon Mr Deane, K.C., for Mrs Barclay, rose and protested against the case being put an end to in this unsatisfactory manner. Thtt petition, he said, was filed as long ngo jik Feb. 3, 1899, and at once became public property. It; v»ns " quite a society case," and was much talked about. One of the co-respondents was Sir John Milbanke, an officer in Captain Barclay's regiment, and the other was/Mr Chetwynd. Answers denying the charges were at once filed, and the case stood over from time to time, owing to the outbreak of the war. in 1900 >Sir John Milbanko's evidence was taken on commission, and he was cross-ex-amined by Sir Edward Clarke, who at once said that he must withdraw the case against him. Further charges, however, were fifed against. Mr Chetwynd, and now, after the matter had been before the public for nearly four years, it was proposed' quietly to withdraw the petition in this hole-and-corner way. Aa appeal, however had been made to Sir Francis Jeune, who had decided that where serious charges had been publicly made the parties had tha right to have t!iR matter disposed of in op'?n court. Mrs Barclay then went into tin? witness box. ami said there was no truth in any of the charges made in her husband's petition. Mr Chotwynd also voluntarily attended, and swore that- the charges, both in the original and the amended petition, were absolutely untrue. His lordship accordingly dismissed the petition. ______