WIDOW'S STRATAGEM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8315, 13 May 1905, Page 4

WIDOW'S STRATAGEM.

WRITES TO INFORM HER HUSBAND SHE IS DEAD.

A remarkable story, not devoid of a spice of comedy, was told to the Newport County Magistrates in the case in which Mary Ann Powell* 63, Silver Street, Pontywain, Applied for a separation order against her husband, Samuel Powell, fifty-two, on the ground of his desertion. Mr Cooper, for the wife, said they were married at Mynyddislwyn Church in June, 1881. Defendant was not previously married, but complainant was an " Abercarn widow" with three children, and in receipt of 7s a week from the Explosion Fund. He lived with her for some time, and in 1887 he went to America, and never sent her a penny to maintain herself. In the following year she managed to get his address, and with the three children went after him to America. <■ Here they again lived togother for a time, but he again deserted her, and the wife and children returned to Wales. Up to 1893 he never sent her a penny, and wrote home that he never would return to Wales. In 1893 his wife leafnt that he was at the Albany County Penitentiary for an assault in the third degree. The wife wrote to him in the name of Mir Gwynne, informing him that his wif4 was dead — (laughter) — and there was some dispute as to dividing the £50 insurance money which was due at her death. Defendant replied to Mr Gwynne, whom he described as "Dear Friend," that he could not come back for some months. "Mr Gwynne" again wrote that the insurance people would not. pay over the money unless he appeared in person. 'This brought him home to Wales, $nd complainant's soil met him at Newport, and told him that his wife was alive, and not dead. Defendant gave way to tears on hearing his. He went home, and

THERE WAS AN AFFECTING

SCENE,' defendant telling her that he preferred seeing her alive to all the money in the world. They lived together for some time, but he again gave way 'to drink and abused her. He had now deserted her altogether. Defendant worked as a collier at Abercarn, and earned 35s a week. Mrs Powell confirmed her advocate's story, and added that her husband lodged with her for three years before she married him, but that he soon left her desolate. In February, 1903, she wrote him the following letter:—"Mr Samuel Powell.— Sir,— l am taking the great liberty of writing these few lines to you, asking if you are aware that a certain Mrs Powell is dead, and left about £50 insurance money, and a small banking account, and that there is a dispute among the children. As by chance I entered the house, and amongst some .rubbish I picked up this address, I am sending you as a friend, hoping that if it reaches you, you will answer by return. If there is anything I can do for you, I will gladly help you. So I remain a friend at present.— Mr Gwynne." To this he replied :—" Dear Friend,— l take much pleasure in writing these few lines to you. I fas sorry to hear of my wife's death, as the news was hard for me, as I was in hard luck myself at the time^aaugnte I ')— or I should have been in England before now. I will not trouble to come now .before October 1, as it will take me some time to get the money together. If you get the money, let me know, and I will pay you for your trouble when I come ,to England. Please tell those people not to pay out any money until I come. Kind love to you all. Yours truly, Samuel Powell." To this she again wrote in the name of Mr Gwynne, saying that defendant must come personally to secure the money Mrs Powell also gave details of the scene when her husband returned to the house, and how he said that he would rather see her alive than all the money in th* London banks. (Laughter.) Ther Fears were coming from his eyes, she added, but after this he again took to drink, and threatened to kill her, and she said she would drown herself. He. was now lodging with het eldest son's _wife. After George Allea arid Nora E. Wilkes had given evidence for the wife, defendant denied the desertion, and said his wife gave him the pass to go to America. Later he sent for her and the children, but when he was looking for work out there she sold up the home and returned to this country. Leaving him "stranded" in Pennsylvania. The Bench granted the separation order, with 10s a week maintenance and costs.