J. J. MEIKLE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 56, 30 October 1912, Page 5

J. J. MEIKLE.

AGREES TO SEPARATION. (Per Press Association.) Auckland, October 29. An application by Jane Meikle for maintenance and separation orders against her husband, J. J. Meikle, on the ground of desertion and failure to provide for her, came before Mr C. C. Kettle, S.M., at the Auckland Magistrate’s Court on Saturday. Mrs Meikle stated that she had been married for forty years, and that she had ten children. During July last year her husband went Home, but failed to return, and it came to her ears some time ago that he was living at Epsom with a young woman of his acquaintance. Interrogated by the Magistrate, Mrr Meikle said she had no means, and that she had been obliged to borrow money to enable her to come to Auckland from Mataura, where she was living with a married daughter. Asked if he desired to give evidence on his own behalf, the defendant, who was not represented by counsel, stated that lie did not wish to do so. If be did give evidence, he said, some interesting facts would be disclosed. The Magistrate then remarked that if the defendant did not challenge his wife’s statements, the application would be granted. Orders for separation and for the payment of £1 per week were accordingly made. Not at all pleased with the decision, the defendant remarked that he hoped that his wife would get the money, but that he “didn’t think she would.” His next observation was that the Liberal Government—the Scddon-Ward Government—had ruined him and his family for ever.