A Sympathetic Magistrate.

Manawatu Herald, 13 December 1902, Page 3

A Sympathetic Magistrate.

If there were more Magistrates possessing the humane quality disclosed by Dr McArthur, at present on relieving duty in Wellington, the colony would be better for it. A day or two ago he had before him the case of a man and his wife applying for a separation order. The man had his faults, as was disclosed by the evidence, but he had been irritated by the fact that bis wife was addicted to mild -gambling on horse races, and had been accustomed to <( raise the wind ” iu a fashion which he did not approve of. They fell out, and proceedings followed. Then Magistrate heard the whole story. The he addressed the parties. He spoke earnestly of the marital tie, and the effect upon the family of breaking up the home. He offered not only his counsel but his assistance in other ways, to bring the couple together again, and appealed to the better natures of husband and wife to forget their differences. So earnest was his appeal, and such evident concern and feeling were shown by the Magistrate, that the husband broke down in Court. The order was formally made, but man and. wife withdrew together, and there Avere evidences that his Worship had not spoken in vain.