MISSING HUSBAND

Hokitika Guardian, 14 February 1929, Page 2

MISSING HUSBAND

DISAPPEARED AFTER COURT PROCEEDINGS. DUNEDIN, February. 12. 4 After promising the Magistrate that lie would set up a home for his wife and child, James Merritt, a clerk, left the Court in Christchurch, passed his wife without recognising her outside the building, and disappeared. That was in August, 1923, and Merritt has since escaped apprehension. In the Supreme Court here to-day his wife (Margaret Merritt) petitione I Mr Justice Macgregor for a dissolution of the marriage on the ground o' 1 ' desertion. Mr 11. S. Irwin, who appeared for petitioner, said the parties were married on December 7th, 1921, at Oliinenmtu, and they went to- live with Merritt’s people at Taihape. Merritt did not trouble about work hut enjoyed himself playing football. The wife became tired of being dependent on bis relatives, and left for Christeliureh to attempt to maintain herself and child. She was in Christchurch for sonic time and as her health was not good she, had to give up work. She issued a summons for maintenance. The respondent went to Christchurch and in the Court offered to provide a home apart from his relatives for his wife. 'ihat was what the wife wanted, alul the Magistrate dismissed the proceedings. She saw him outside the Court, but ho did riot even speak to her. Nothing had been heard of him since. She had communicated with his family and they said they had not seen him since tno Magisterial proceedings. An order was made for substituted service and the petition was advertised, but sot far there had been no appearance of Merritt.

His Honour: What do his own people say P Mr Irwin: They say they don’t know where he is. However, they may know. Petitioner gave evidence on the lines of counsel’s address. Her husband, she said, was fonder of sport than work. He had 1 neither looked at her nor spoken to her when he left the Court. A decree nisi was granted, petitioner to have the interim custody of the chnd.