DIVORCE MADE EASY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2152, 7 August 1907, Page 4

DIVORCE MADE EASY.

DISCUSSION BY THE CHURCHES. Divorce made easy was discussed at the last meeting of tho Council of the Evangelical Churches, wlion objection was made to wliat was termed a “very grave scandal” in the provisions of the law as to divorce. Specific objection was made to the “restitution of conjugal rights” provision, and it was stated that this made it possible for a couple to be married, divorced, and married again all within a twolvemonth.

A motion was moved by the Rev. Mr. Fairclough, in the following terms:—“Whereas the law relating to restitution of conjugal rights proves to be a short cut to divorce, which was probably not the intention of the Legislature, it is desirable that .the law be so amended as, while retaining the right of action of alimony, to prevent the issue of any order disobedience to which would be equivalent to five years’ desertion.” In the course of discussion,the llcv. Ward asked whether there was not a danger in making this defect public, as was now being done; but he was answered that if ho could indicate a way of getting amendment without publicity, the meeting would bo glad to hear it.

Tho'Rev. Mr. North quoted figures to show that since the Amending Acts had been given force to, the number of divorces had quadrupled. Ho favoured the making of representations to the Government regarding the blemish referred to in the resolution, believing that the Catholic .and Anglican clergy would support the movement.

The Rev. Dr. Gibb advocated carrying the subject further, by calling attention to the gravity of the situation in respect to divorces, as shown by the increased proportion of divorces in this country. It was a serious condition of affairs indeed that this facilitating of divorce should continue, and that the toleration of divort now so widely obtaining should be allowed to continue without attempt ■at remedy. The sanctity of the marriage bond was practically the foundation of all progress and social wellbeing, and it seemed to him that the present trend was in the direction of the old-time paganism. The resolution moved by Mr. Fairclough was carried, and endorsement was also given to Dr. Gibb’s proposition. The matter was then referred to the executive with power to approach or not to approach the Catholic and Anglican Chufclies—as deemed best—with a request for co-oper-ation.- In course of a discussion on the matter it was stated by the Rev. Mi'. Dawson, and endorsed by the Rev. Mr. Fairclough, that little support had been received in the past from these churches, but other members pointed out that in regard to Bible in schools and some other quest- ■ ions the Anglican Church had given strong support, |