A CHRISTCHURCH SENSATION.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 14 January 1901, Page 4

A CHRISTCHURCH SENSATION.

(per press ASSOCIATION.)

Judge Martin elopes with a married woman.

Christchurch, January 12. The rumour mentioned in the Lyttelton Times has been causing great excitement in town. The common talk is now that the persons implicated are Justice Martin and Mrs Simms, wife of a Christchurch merchant. A few weeks ago Justice Martin left for Australia,_ ostensibly to be present at the celebrations in connection with the Australian Commonwealth. Mrs Simms left Christchurch a few weeks previously on a visit to her mother in Brisbane, but from what can bo gathered she mot Martin by previous arrangements in Sydney, where the pair are now living as man and wife. Mr and Mrs Simms had some unpleasantness on account of the attentions of the Judge to the latter, and although she denied that there was anything wrong between them it was agreed that she should visit her mother for a time, and accordingly she left for Australia. Although all sorts of rumors have been in circulation, the facts, so far as can be gathered, appear to be that Mrs Simms wrote to her husband making certain confessions as to her relations with Martin, and stating that they are living as man and wife in Sydney, and she had no intention of returning to him. Justice Martin wrote to his solicitors in Christchurch, also admitting the fact, and naturally announced his intention of not coming hack to the colony. Although no official information is to hand on the point, it is stated that Martin has resigned his position on the judicial Bench.

It matters little whether ho has taken that course or not, as his removal would necessarily follow so grave a scandal.

Mrs Simms was a daughter of Mrs Marshall, of Brisbane, and was a great favourite in Fendalton district, whore she lived, also a leading member of tho Fendalton Dramatic Club. Mr and Mrs Simms have two children. Mr Martin’s wife is a daughter of the iato Mrs Saunderson, Greta Peak station, and there is a grown-up daughter shortly to be married.

Mr Martin during tho time has been relieving Justice Edwards at Christchurch had been living with his mother at Fendalton, next door to the Simms. It is stated that during the whole time he had been very attentive to Mrs Simms, andfrequently took her for long excursions, to which, however, her husband objected, but was always assured that these trips were attended with no impropriety. The news caused a most painful sensation in Christchurch, where both parties are well known. A great many people absolutely declined to believe that a man of Martin’s abilities, and who had risen to tho height of his ambition, could possibly have committed such folly. It is understood that proceedings for divorce will at once be instituted by the husband, and that they will not be opposed. Mr Martin was born and educated in Christchurch. On leaving school he joined tho firm of Duncan, solicitors, and ultimately became a partner. About nine years ago he was appointed Stipendiary Magistrate in Wellington, a position which he forsook a few years later to take office as Public Trustee. When Justice Denniston was granted leave of absence early last year in order to proceed to England, Martin was given a tern, porary seat on the Bench, and only last month the appointment was made permanent. January 13. Justice Martin’s resignation as Judge of tho Supreme Court of New Zealand was received by the Government on January 4ch.