Enticement Claim After 29 Years

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 42, 19 February 1937, Page 3

Enticement Claim After 29 Years

MAN OF 73 SUED; HE KAN AWAY LIKE A RAT, SAYS HUSBAND Five hundred pounds damages for alleged ‘‘enticement of his wife” was claimed at Dundee Sheriff Court by a man after 29 years of married life. The action has been likened to the * ‘ Ileieu of Troy " case. The husband —David Lamb, of George street, Alontrose —claimed damages front Hugh Ferrier, veterinary surgeon, of Claverhouse, Dundee, who is over 70. Mr Ferrier was a well-known official in Dundee Town Council, and retired only recently after almost 30 years’ service. Sheriff Malcolm stressed the fact that th' action was not tor divorce, but lor loss of home life and the enjoyment of tho wife’s society. Lamb alleged that ho had been greatly injured in his feelings and reputation and nad suffered great pain, annoyance and mental distress as the result of tho relations between Ferrier and his (Lamb’s) wife. Ferrier, who denied cause for guilty association, said it was believed that from the beginning Lamb’s marriage was unhappy owing to his drinking habits and infidelity. David Lamb, who is 58, wore a yellow rose in his buttonhole when ho stepped into the witness-box. About 1929, Lamb added, he was told by an employee at a dairy business run by his wife that she was m the byre with Ferrier. ‘‘l concluded misconduct took place," said Lamb. “I challenged her next day, because I could not sleep, fclhe never spoke. Then I challenged Ferrier. He went away like a drookit( drowned) rat.” From 1930 onwards, Lamb alleged, Ferrier was at the dairy premises three times every day and never left before II p.m., and sometimes not until 2 a.m. He had every freedom in the house and went into Mrs Lamb's bedroom. In cross-examination Lamb was asked by Air John Boss, solicitor for Ferrier, if ho had had 22 years of married bliss. Lamb hesitated and then answered —* 4 Yes.” Ho denied accusations that he had committed misconduct. At Mr Ross’s request a middle-aged woman was brought into tho court-room. After sho had left, Lamb was asked if he recognised her. Ho replied, “1 never saw her in my life.” Tho hearing waa adjourned-