STRUCK HIS WIFE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 239, 9 October 1928, Page 8

STRUCK HIS WIFE.

CARPEHTER Hf TROUBLE. SEPARATION AND MAINTENANCE ORDERS MADE. {Stephen Rowntree (35), a, carpenter, whp is at present working on itA{J» Niagara, which reached. Auckland yesterday, appeared at the Police Court thU morning charged with using obscene language and also with assaulting his wife, Jessie Larimer Rowntree. He denied both charges. Accused's wife, who was in §■ highly nervous state, said that since July 10, when she had been separated by mutual consent, 6he had beeu residing with hef parents at Richmond Road. Yesterday afternoon accused called to see the children, but as they were out he was told to call at 7 o'clock last night. The two children were kept up until 8 o'clock, but Rowntree did not arrive until 8.15, and when he did come he was under the influence of liquor. He was tpld that he could not see his children while he was i# liquor. Accused then used the languagß complained of and struck witness on thf face with his clenched fist while she stood at the gate. To Mr, Sullivan, who appeared for her* Mrs. Rowntree said that she had only received £1 from accused since July 10. Mr. Sullivan said that accused " had assaulted his wife before. His wife had given him an opportunity of behaving himself so that a reconciliation might be effected, but it was no use. Counsel then asked for a separation, maintenance and guardianship order. Mrs. Rowntree did not wish to have her husband punished, and she was willing to overlook last night's assault. Rowntree consented to the orders being made. In ordering accused to pay £5 bflck maintenance and maintenance at the rate of £1 15/ pej- week, plus £2 1/ costs, Mr. Hunt said that had it not been for his wife's request he would have sent Rowntree to gaol for 14 days on the assault charge.