MISUNDERSTOOD

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 371, 4 June 1928, Page 13

MISUNDERSTOOD

From Saturday's late edition

JAPANESE MEANT HOME, NOT JAPAN JUDGE GRANTS DIVORCE Pres# Association PALMERSTON N., Saturday. At the Supreme Court three weeks ago, before Mr. Justice Ostler, John Sato, a Palmerston North cook, petitioned for the dissolution of his marriage with Lavina Sato, of Wanganui, on the ground of mutual separation. During his evidence, petitioner, on being asked by his Honour where he wanted to die, replied “Home.” This was interpreted by his Honour to mean Japan, and the decree was refused for the reason that petitioner’s domicile was not New Zealand. Later counsel for Sato asked his Honour whether the case could be brought up again later in the session, as he was of the opinion that Sato, in saying “Home,” meant his dwelling. Permission was obtained, and Sato appeared before his Honour this morning. He wanted to die at home, he said, and not in the street. He had no relatives in Japan, but had a sister in Sydney. He intended to live continuously in New Zealand. On hearing evidence that Sato had been living apart from his wife for at least the last three years, his Honour granted the decree nisi.