MAN AND WIFE ARE NOT ONE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2775, 14 February 1882, Page 2

MAN AND WIFE ARE NOT ONE.

In the District Court at Auckland yesterday the case of W. A. Thompson and Charles Turner, of the MohtaguTurner Opera Company, for a breach of engagement, was heard. The claim was £IOO. Mr A. E. Whitaker appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr - Thorny for the defendant. From the former gentleman's statement df the case, it. seemed that in November last', Mr, and'Mrs Thompson (Miss Carrie Godfrey) while at Sydney contracted with Mr Turner, of the Montagu-Turner Opera Cota* pany, for a six months’ engagement;'at £5 and £lO per week respectively,;),the plaintiff acting as a member of the orchestra, and bis wife as the leading contralto singer. At the end of the Auckland season Turner terminated the engagement. He seat a detter stating Mrs Thompson's condition precluded her from performing any longer, aud therefore neither she nor her husband would be required any longer. His client was willing to - continue his share.'!.of the contract, but was not givea the opportunity, and he claimed full tyages for himself till the end of his term. Nothing was asked in respect of .the breach made in the contract with his wife. After the plaintiff's evidence had been taken, Mr Thorne . -stated he was prepared to call witnesses to show Mrs Thompson's state was ; such that it was indecent for her toapppar any longer. His Honor said this rclass of evidence would not avail so long as the lady’s competency to sing and play was not questioned. After some consultation between the learned counsel, Mr Thorne consented to judgment being returned for the plaintiff for £2O and costs.