NEED FOR TOLERANCE.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18258, 20 February 1931, Page 7

NEED FOR TOLERANCE.

AN UNHAPPY COUPLE.

WIFE SEEKS SEPARATION.

MAGISTRATE’S ADVICE

The domestic relations of Florence Gertude Harris and her husband, Herbert Harris, Woodleigh, Rotokauri. were aired in the Magistrate’s Court, Hamilton, this morning, before Mr. Wyvern Wilson, S.M., Mrs. Harris making application for a seperation order, on the grounds of persistent cruelty and inadequate maintainance. Tpe couple had been married for 25 years, and there were seven children of the union. The trouble that led up to the present complaint, as related by complainant, occurred about three weeks ago, when her husband struck her. She sought refuge at a neighbour’s place. 'Cross-examined by His Worship, complainant admitted that her husband had struck her only on one occassion. The place was a miserable one, she told the Court, and she did not see why she should have to put up with that sort of thing. He had frightened her on several occasions and nothing she did seemed to satisfy him. She was miserable all the time.

Asked on what grounds she was claiming that her husband had failed to provide her with adequate maintenance she told Mr. Wyvern Wilson that her husband gave her no money. She admitted subsequently that she kept two boarders, who paid her at the rate of 25s a week. She further admitted that she had not troubled to ask her husband for money since 12 months ago. She did not consider that there was any use her doing so. “ Would it really amount to this, that your husband is irritable and very unpleasant to live with?” queried His Worship. Witness admitted as much.

No Ground for Separation Order.

“ Well, madam, I am afraid that because your husband is irritable and loses his temper and that the place is an unpleasant one to live in, that does not give me power to give you a separation order,” Mr Wilson added. . His Worship pointed out that he could intervene only when he was satisfied that the wife was deprived of shelter and maintenance. Defendant told the Court that he did not consider that he could have been more considerate towards his wife. When she went away a short time ago lie had to fetch her back no fewer than three times.

“Don't tell bare-l'aced lies," the wife retorted. “Why is it that Alice will not stay home when you are there?” he asked her.

“ Because she is like you,” complainant retorted. “ No old girl, it is because you cannot get on with anybody,’.’ he replied Harris further told His Worshij that he had repeatedly asked his wifi to'take things easy , and let the girl.manage the house work, but sir would have none of it.

In dissmissing the application, lIP Worship advised the pair that the. would have to learn to be more toler ant to.-each other and control theii tempers. If the wife did not wish U return home she had' better set a solicitor and talk the matter ovei with him.