THE DIVORCE COURT

Wairarapa Age, 17 November 1919, Page 5

THE DIVORCE COURT

TWO CARTERTON CASES.

The divorce case of Hutching v. Hutchins was concluded before his Honor Mr Justice Edwards and a jury of twelve on Friday afternoon. The petitioner, Ellen Hutchins, sought a dissolution of marriage with Frederick John Hutchins, of Carterton, on the ground of habitual drunkenness. Evidence was heaM on both sides, and the jury, after a short retirement), gave a verdict in favour of the petitioner. His Honor accordingly granted a decree nisi, to be made absolute in three months, with costs on the lowest scale. The petitioner was given custody of the children. Mr A. Hogg appeared for the petitioner, and Mr P. W. Jackson for the respondent. An undefended divorce suit was heard by his Honor Mr Justice Edwards on Saturday, when Mary Biilie Edwards sought a dissolution of her marriage with Ernest Arthur Edwards on the grounds of habitual drunkenness and acts of cruelty. Mr A. Hogg apeared for the petitioner. The parties were married, in March, 1904, and had lived the whole time Bince at Carterton. There was one child by the marriage, born in June, 1908. The respondent took to drink about eight years ago, and had been guilty of habitual drunkenness since, and, it was alleged, acts of cruelty. Evidence wag given by the petitioner and Constable Gregor, of Carterton, and also by the sister of the petitioner. His Honor granted a decree nisi, to be made absolute after three months.