“ Get to Hong Kong Out of This ”

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 37, 13 February 1937, Page 4

“ Get to Hong Kong Out of This ”

A LOCKOUT THAT LED TO PETITION FOR DIVORCE Declaring that she had not lived with her husband since September 13, 1932, when she went home at night to find tho doors locked against her, and was told to “ get to Hong Kong out of this/ ’ Millicent Mario Seward, of Palmerston North, was granted a decree of divorce from her husband in tho Palmerston North Supreme Court yesterday. His Honour Mr Justice Johnstbn presided. Petitioner was William Henry Seward, builder of Palmerston North, who pleaded desertion by his wife, but respondent similarly alleged desertion in her answer to the petition. Mr H. ft. Cooper represented petitioner and Mr J. A. Grant appeared for Mrs Seward. Respondent said she was married on May 3, 1911. There were two children, a daughter who was now married and a boy aged 18.„ Op tho night of September 13 she returned home with her daughter to find the hduse locked against her. They waited outsido until 11.15,-when her husband came home. He let himself in, but again locked the door and.told witness and her daughter to “get to Hong Kong out of this.” That night they went to a shop in the city and slept on blankets the floor; they had no where else to go. Since then she had not been in- the house except on one occasion when she went to recover her clothing. The married daughter of respondent corroborated the story. The parties had lived apart since. There was no question of a claim for alimony, said Mr Grant. Seward had not contributed to his wife’s maintenance since the time of their separation. Mr Cooper said the evidence was not denied, although other evidence migtft well have been brought to show that, at the least, petitioner had excellent grounds for his action. However, because of the position 1 between the two parties and for tho sake of the children, this evidence was not brought- before the Court. There had obviously l been desertion; it was merely a matter of settling the legal issuo. His Honour dismised the petition, and on respondent’s answer to the claim granted her a decree nisi to be moved absolute after three months. Costs were entered on the lowest scale. A decreo absolute was graned William George Collins, a labourer, of Palmerston North/for whose solicitor, Mr H. G. Lovell, Mr G. E. Rowe appeared. Respondent was Martha Collins (Christchurch). Custody of the child was not asked for The Supreme Court sessions in Palmerstou North concluded yesterday afternoon, and His Honour Mr Justice Johnston returns to Wellington this morning. He will preside at a Supreme Court sitting in Wellington on Monday.