IN HIS WIFE’S SKIRTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3215, 11 May 1911, Page 2

IN HIS WIFE’S SKIRTS.

HUMOUR IN CRUELTY CASE

Humour of a type usually quite dissociated with Scottish la.v eases was forthcoming in a separation petition brought -at Perth by Mrs AY. S. AVallace who sought the custody of her children, but did not sue for alimony. Her case was based oh allegations of cruelty against Mr. AY. S. Wallace, her husband, who resides at Wallace House, Dumfries. Supporting, her charge of assault Airs AVallae© described how she was cleaning some boots one morning when her husband came down in his pyjamas. She' had placed a. brush on a chair, and he sat down on the brush in his scanty clothing. He was under the impression she had played a trick on him, and seized her by the tkioat and threw her on the floor. A 12-year-old son. AA’iHiam Sydney Gordon, stated that liis father used to dress himself in “mammy's garments.” He beheld the dire consequences that befel when his father sat on the boot brush. Petitioner said frankly that .though she was happy for a short, time after her marriage, they were living in a fool’s paradise. She denied being extravagant and that she incurred an account of £79 for a dress to attend a wedding. Asked if she did not go through £341 during the three months her husband was m the Crichton Institute, Dumfries, Airs Wallace said if she did it was to pay some of her husband’s debts. She admitted drawing £6OO from a bank in Australasia and putting it into a bank in Dumfries. Air. Wallace is a. man in liis 55th year, and is a. Fellow of the"' Institute of Surveyors. At the time of his marriage, about 12 years ago, lie had not much money, he observed on entering the witness box. Asked if his wife was extravagant, he added, indulgently, “AYe are all inclined to be that.” He had, he said, been employed with Lord Ancaster, Sir Arthur Grant, and other gentlemen. It- is said that on several occasions you threatened to shoot your wife and pointed a loaded gun at her?—l never aspired at big game. I have always been content with a partridge or two, or the primitive bunny. It is said you struck your wife and knocked her down.?—Take that with the proverbial grain of salt. Did you ever strike your wife with your hand ?—No, nor yet with a feather. Defendant complained that after his wife left Annfield House she returned one night and took away some mutton .chops he intended to have for dinner, and also some cigarettes and ■ tobacco. Air. AVallace later, in crossexamination, admitted that be had only worked- for 12 days during the 12 years lie had been married. Asked wliat he was living on now, seeing he admitted having no income, he retorted, “Red herring and fresh air.” Air Wallace said he was prepared to admit that wlien Air Davidson called for him he was “buoyant.” Do you mean drunk?— I was never drunk in my life. It was exuberance of spirits and fresh air, “Not alcoholic spirits?'” insinuated• the advocate, and the court laughed. Defendant admitted that when Air Davidson called one forenoon about 11-o’cjcek witness was attired in his wife’s skirt. He added, amid merriment, “I found them a bit tight.” Thus-grotesquely attired, he said, he had designed 1 to. assume the role of “Charley’s Aunt.” He and Airs AY allace were having a private rehearsal. AVhat performance did you intend giving?—Oh, a morning matinee. Did you give an evening performance later on? —No; the band broke down. (Laughter.) AA 7 ere you threatening to- shoot Air Davidson on that occasion? Yes, with a bow and arrow. The sheriff warned witness not to be flippant in answering questions. The Advocate: Did you threaten, to cut your throat? — Air. AVallace: You are paralysing me now. The sheriff made avizandum. For the benefit of dwellers below the Tweed it may be added that a case taken “ad avizandum is left for the private consideration of the judge outside the court.