ETERNAL TRIANGLE AND DIVORCE COURT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 115, 5 August 1927, Page 13

ETERNAL TRIANGLE AND DIVORCE COURT

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST WIFE Another version of the story of the eternal triangle was told at the Supreme Court this morfting, when Mr. Justice Herdman and a jury or twelve considered a defended divorce action. Clement Totman, a waterside worker, residing at Bassett Road, Remuera (Mr. Endean) petitioned for divorce from Rebecca Totman (Mr. J. J. Sullivan), with Robert Lambert cited as co-respondent, on the grounds of desertion and misconduct. It was stated by Mr. Endean that the parties were married on October 13, 1897, at Auckland. They lived together until 1923 and there were four children. On January 18, 1923, the respondent deserted petitioner without cause and remained away for three years, during that time living with Lambert as his wife. It was also alleged that she had left home on previous occasions. She was fond of gadding about and staying out all night, said counsel. The climax was reached in 1923, when the respondent used up all the household money on pleasures. On one occasion, after the divorce papers had been served, the respondent brought Lambert to his house and petitioner knocked him down. The defence is a denial of desertion and misconduct and that if there was misconduct it was forced on respondent by the petitioner’s persistent cruelty. She alleges that when she asked him for money for frocks he told her to get other men to pay for them. He had assaulted her and had used vile language. Lengthy evidence is being called and the case is proceeding.