THE CASE OF MRS INDER.

West Coast Times, 20 June 1912, Page 3

THE CASE OF MRS INDER.

WAS HER RUIN PLOTTED. INVESTIGATION PROMISED. AUCKLAND, June 1?. 11 This is a case which calls for soarc'i iu order to ascertain whether or not a number of people have conspired to

min this woman’s character and htr health,” remarked Mr. 0. 0, Keltic S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court at the conclusion of a maintenance case which embraced many peculiar features. The case was based on a claim by Sarah Lilian Indcr for £lO2 as arrears of maintenance, which her husband, William Francis Indcr, had agreed to pay at the rate of £3 per week when the separation order was made in 1908. Plaintiff admitted having received several small sums of money from her husband, but, ns she was in ill-hoalth and could not work, she sought to recover tho arrears and adequate support. Mr. Singer appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. Denniston represented defendant. Defendant’s case was founded on the evidence of several witnesses, which indicated that Mrs Indcr’s .conduct had not boon all that ought to have been. Mr. Kettle suggested that Mrs Rider should invoke tho support of the Destitute Person’s Act, but, after con sicieration by counsel, that suggestion was not adopted. Mrs Indcr wont into tho witness box ami stated that she first met her bus-

baud at Wanganui, and she became so attached to him that sho afterwards went to Dunedin to see him. It was then that witness heard that Indor was married, and sho endeavoured to drown her sorrows by a holiday to Sydney. On returning to New Zealand witness found that Indor had obtained a divorce, and, as her love was not diminished, she eventually married him. She was then twouty-ono years old. “During our married life,” centime, witness, “ my husband fell i another girl. They drove out in a beautiful motor-car and wont week-end trips to-gcthcr.” Witness then left her husband for some time. “I don’t know whether my husband was a bad man or a fool,” added witness "but I think that lie was probably a little of each.” Witness added that her husband bad never complained of her conduct.

Cross-examined by Mr .Denuinston, witness admitted that, she frequently look doses of morphia. Mr. Kettle: AVho advised you to take morphia P It was on a doctor's ad' ice. Mr. Singer contended that the evidence adduced hy defendant revealed a plot to ruin his client. Perjury had been committed, he said, and ho severely criticised the characters of the witnesses. Mrs luder denied that she had been guilty of misconduct, and she had rehntod everything that had lie or. laid against her.

1 I can promise you a most searching inquiry into this matter,” said Mr Kettle, turning to Mrs Inder. “It has been contended that those people are guilty of perjury. Yon have absolutely denied everything that they have said, and, if what yon say, is true, these people are guilty of perjury, and they have conspired to ruin you.” Mr Kettle added: “I will leave nothing undone to get at the truth of the matter, and, if I find that a conspiracy had been entered into to iujvur this woman, I will move, heaven and earth to reach tho truth.” The case was adjourned until Saturday morning.