DIVORCE CASE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3503, 4 June 1920, Page 6

DIVORCE CASE.

PEARCE V PEARCE. Letters of an incriminating nature -were the chief evidence in a divorce case heard before the Chief Justice, Sir Robert Stout, at Wanganui, on Tuesday, when Margaret Pearce sought dissolution of her marriage from George Vater Pearce, formerly M.P. for Patea, on the ground of adultery. Mr Myers appeared for petitioner and Mr Treadwell for respondent. Mr Myers said charges of misconduct was alleged against respondent, who was a wealty man, and formerly a member of Parliament. He was worth up to £250,000. In 1917, consequent upon respondent ’s, misconduct, the petitioner secured a separation, Mrs Pearce getting custody of the youngest daughter, and receiving £IO,OOO in a lump sum. Certain provision was made for the other children. Subsequent to this respondent was suspected of misconduct, and petitioner J s son discovered certain let 1 iers. It would bo shown thqt. a cortain young woman visited respondent/s

place at week ends, and had had opportunities to go out with him. It would also be shown that this young woman subsequently became pregnant, and being unable to face hpr. people, had gone to Sydney, Mrs Pearce had taken steps to get certain information, and the speaker would produce the copy of an entry of a birth at Sydney. On petitioner being called, she stated that she wa s married to respondent in 1893, and lived at Kakaramea until 1917, in which year she obtained a separation. There were three children of the marriage. She now resided in Wanganui. Last year she had reason to suspect respondent had misconducted himself with a girl. Cedric V. Pearce, son of petitioner, said he was away at the war when his parents separated. On returning from the front he lived at his father’s house at Kakaramea. He knew' a certain young women. She was about 22 years old, and resided at Patea. She used to come pretty often to the house at week-ends, being invited by witness’s sister at respondent’s request. On occasions the visitor and respondent went out together. In November last witness accidentally found a number of letters in his father's room while looking for a press for a tennis racquet. At this stage Mr Myers produced the letters and read various extracts. “One/’ he said, “is signed ‘Vera,” and concludes, ‘with all my fondest love and kisses.’ Three are signed with the letter ‘E.’ One advises him not to stand for Parliament, as he would not have any chance. This letter continues. added Mr Myers, “We are the talk of the countryside. If you could ; get to marry me it would be a way out. although I have no love for him.’” Continuing, Mr Myers said another of the “E” letters stated; “I am miserable and lonely, and all I

can think of is my trouble, but I suppose all you think of is the election. Dont tell anybody. Sleep is the only thing to make me forget myself. Good night, dear love.” John G. Dunn, solicitor, Patea, said the girl in question was a typiste in his office for four years. He identified her handwriting. Mr Myers handed in documentary evidence of a birth registered at Sidney in January, 1920. No evidence was tendered on respondent’s behalf. A decree was granted, with costs on the higher scale.