BOY HUSBAND WHO RAN BACK TO MOTHER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 515, 19 November 1928, Page 13

BOY HUSBAND WHO RAN BACK TO MOTHER

WIFE ONLY NINETEEN Mrs. Gladys Lee, aged 19, of Bournemouth Road, Parkstoue, applied rerecently for a separation order against her husband. Charles Howard Lee, now living with his brother at Holme Road, Kinson, near Bournemouth. rtr It was stated tflat the couple were married last December at the Bournemouth register office. On June 4 the wife instituted- similar proceedings, but the couple lived together again, and it was alleged that the husband deserted his wife on September 10. Mr. Marshall Harvey, for the wife, said a good deal of the trouble was caused by the interference of the husband’s mother. The husband, sooner than fend for himself, “runs home to his mother's apron strings, and goes into her employ” (says the “Daily Mail”). The wife said that up to the time of the desertion her husband was employed in a cafe. They were living in one room, but could not use it by day. Mr. Manning (defending): Do you know that your husband is only 16 now ?—He said all alopg that he was 21.

You had knowledge when you married this boy that he was only 151 years old?—No. Did you elope?—He asked me to get married. And you ran away to do so? —Yes.

Mrs. Lee said that when they married she was earning about £ 1 a week, and her husband 19s. Lee denied that he had been coaxed away from his wife by his mother. When he married his wife found the money and bought the licence. The bench granted a separation order with 10s a week maintenance.