SUPREME COURT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16820, 24 August 1922, Page 7

SUPREME COURT.

IN DIVORCE, A sitting of the Supreme Court in divorce was held by his Honor Mr Justice Adams to-day. Martha Grigg petitioned for divorce from William Scoles Grigg cm the ground of adultery. Mr O. T. J. Alpers appeared for petitioner, and Mr (’. S. Thomas for respondent. Mr Thomas said that an answer had been filed to the petition, and it had been intended to defend the suit, but evidence placed before him recently made him feel that he was not justified in setting up a defence. He asked leave to withdraw' the answer, in order that the case might come on as an ordinary undefended suit. Mr Alpers offered no objection, and his Honor consented to the withdrawal of the answer. Petitioner said that she was married to respondent on February 30. 1912. They lived at. Christchurch, Lawrence and .Ashley Bank, North Canterbury. There were several children by the marriage. Until a few years ago respondent was in the police force, and Inter was licensee of the Ashley Bank Hotel. Witness was in the hospital for a long time last year. When she came out a girl named Lillian applied for work at the hotel. Witness saw her with her arm over co-respondent’s shoulder. Witness thought it strange, and got rid of her. A few months later she went to witness’s house again, with her mother. They said that respondent had promised to pay her £ls. Respondent admitted that he had paid her £ls. He said that he was tempted, and that one little slip should not upset a home. A child was born to the girl, but it died. Evidence in support of the petition was given by Martha Hunter, petitioner’s mother. William Charles Mantan, jeweller, and James David Heeney, farmer, Rangiora. A decree nisi was granted, to be made absolute in three months. Petitioner was given interim custody of the children, respondent to have reasonable access to them. Respondent was ordered to pay petitioner’s costs on the lower scale. The court adjourned till 10.15 a.m. to-morrow.