Divorce Extension Laws.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 243, 25 February 1888, Page 3

Divorce Extension Laws.

It will be acceptable to. the public, especially those taking a deep interest in ,the subject, to know the present state of things in the different colonies, and at home, affecting the progress of the Divorce Extension measure. In the Parliament of Victoria, and that ol New ' South Wales, a bill identical with our own has been introduced and debated in the Assembly with considerable ability. But further progress in each House was impeded by pending Government measures, and finally the session terminated, leaving each at its second reading stage. In South Australia the measure has equal or stronger support, and, in the able hands to which the bill is entrusted, it %ill probably in the next Parliamentary session attain a successful result. Sir Alfred Stephen continues to receive from distinguished persons, on a review of all the arguments, warm approval of the extension proposed. Perhaps the most qualified person in the Empire to form an opinion on the subject of divorce, and the results of English law affecting it, is the Right Hon. Sir James Hannen, whd has co long presided over the Probate and Matrimonial Causes "Court at Westminster. And that distiritinguished and learned judge, in a letter to Mr Justice Windeyer, expresses approval generally of the New South Wales Bill, -and his hope that it may become law. After referring to Sir Alfred Stephen's pamphlets on the subject, and to the state ■of public opinion in England, he writes as follows*.— "l go thus far: that tho sentence of judicial separation is op«n to «erio'us objection ; and it would be better thafc whatever would justify a court in. •authorising married persons t<i live separate should lead to a dissolution of the marriage if required. I have no apprehension that the extension of the law of 4ivorce would e&ase greater immorality. That depends on the habits and general •character of the nation. There is no greater immorality in Scotland among married people than in England, though the grounds of dissolution of marriage have always been so much more extensive m the first-named •country."