HUSBAND WHO WAS TOO COMPLACENT

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17996, 5 November 1926, Page 7

HUSBAND WHO WAS TOO COMPLACENT

JUDGE MAKES SOME SCATHING COMMENT. (Special to the “ Star. ”) WELLINGTON, November 5. When Erie Edwin Yennell sought a divorce yesterday from Winifred Vennell, on the ground of adultery, stating that she had gone to live with one Manley, taking her two little daughters with her. Mr Justice Alpers commented cuttingly on the petitioner’s complacency in leaving the children in the house of a man who could be •presumed to be fornicating with petitioner’s wife, especially as there were so many magnificent homes conducted by religious and other bodies to which the children could be sent. If husbands were as complacent as that, they need not be surprised at what their wives did. He hoped there were not many of petitioner's type about. When a corroborating witness was put in the box Mr Jtistice Alpers said:

“I don’t know why he did not call his friend Manley to corroborate the evidence. No doubt he would have been very obliging.” Counsel observed that petitioner was suffering from consumption. Mr Justice Alpers: I am sorry for him, but he chould not leave his children to be brought up by this man. A father’s first care should be for his children. There are many excellent places they could go to. Counsel: I think that is what will happen to them. His Honor: I hope so.