DIVORCE CASE

Hokitika Guardian, 5 March 1929, Page 3

DIVORCE CASE

CONFLICTING WITNESSES. (By Telegraph—Press Association). AUCKLAND, March 4.. In the Mackenzie case, evidence In support of the petition was-given by the petitioner’s sister and brother-in-law, also by a neighbour and a labourer, who formerly worked for the respondent. Jim Mackenzie, aged 13, said lie had been in fear of his father when lie gave evidence in the Court last Septem. her. When they lived on the farm lie notived his father was drunk about once a week. He had often heard his father threatening to murder his mbther and all the children. Witness contradicted some of the statements he had made during the previous hearing of the petition. Mr Dickson called four neighbours of the parties, the local.'constable, and James Mackenzie, brother of respondent, all of whom, contradicted the allegation that respondent was of drunken habits One neighbour said he had never known Mackenzie to take drink, and no man could speak more affectionately of his wife. Respondent .in evidence, said.he had been drunk, at the most, three times in his life. His wife went to every dance within a radius of 16 miles. He had never used bad language to her. When she left him she could not give him any reason for doing so. lir cross-examination, lie' denied he ever threatened his wife’s life. ’ He denied ho struck his wife or turned on the gas in her room on the night of December 29th. 1927. He did not know who had injured her on that occasion. His Honour intimated that he would give his decision on Wednesday.