ALLEGED DESERTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1385, 21 February 1905, Page 3

ALLEGED DESERTION.

Tho unhappy domestic troubles of the Abbotsford Smith family came before the Magistrate’s Court again yesterday morning, when the evidence taken as Woodville was read, the tenor of which was that the defendant was known as Mr Graham, and that ho was accompanied by a woman and child, the woman being understood to be his wife ; also that she had said they intended to settle in America.

Mr Finn, counsel for defendant, admitted the following statement : Defendant was arrested at Cairn’s boarding-houso on January 27tb, at 9 a.m, Defendant neither admitted nor denied the complaint; that with the exception of his

portmanteau the rest of his luggage, including two tin travelling trunks and a packing case, was at Woodville station when he was arrested, and that “ Mrs Graham” was at the Woodville station when defendant arrived from Napier on January 26th; that they spoke to each other there and walked away together.

Defendant was then called on for bis defence. He stated that the cause of all the trouble was because his wife was dissatisfied with his management. Witness had ceased to live under the same roof as his wife since the last action. He gave his reasons for selling his property at the Motti. The last Court case had incurred a debt, and as there was already a debt on the property, he was *inoi able to carry it on successfully. There was no offer of reconciliation with his wife,’ and after interviewing her several times he decided to sell. The stock market was in a good state to sell. Defendant bought out the 400 acres he was leasing and had arranged to put up a house. In the meantime he built the small whare and put up a small tent for the children. He arranged with his son Arthur to take charge, and see to all requirements. He went to Hawke’s Bay for three objects—on account of bis health, to get away from'trouble; to take up land if he could find a suitable place, and because he had an interest in his father's estate at Waipawa. He intended to take a place in Hawke’s Bay and to let his wife live on up here. Witness said at the time of his arrest he had a half-interest in 400 acres at Motn, and his stock consisted of 60, cattle, .12 horses and2s sheep. He had money inthe baDk at Gisborne, and still possessed his interest, in the Waipawa property. He had no intention of leaving the colony at present. If he were unable to get land in Hawke’s Bay he would consider the matter. If he left the colony he would leave sufficient money to work the Motu property. His Worship stated that ho would deliver judgment this morning.