DRINKING BOUTS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 355, 9 February 1937, Page 8

DRINKING BOUTS.

Tragic Story Of Unhappy Career. ’ A tragic story of a man’s l prolonged | drinking bouts was told in the Aucki land Magistrate’s Court last week I belore Mr W. R. McKean, S.M., when Florence Elizabeth May Tracey made an application against James St. Martin Tracey for separation, maintenance and guardianship on the grounds of habitual drunkenness and failure to maintain. The marriage took place in February, 1934, and there war one child. Tracey was formerly a well-known professional heavy-weight boxer, and on one occasion fought Louis Firpo in the Argentine. The Rev. R. G. Coates, of St. Luke’s, Mount Albert, said he had known both defendant and his wife for some years, and he was sorry for both of them. The man had professed undying devotion to his wife and child, but he was one of those unfortunate victims with whom witj ness constantly came intb contact. I The defendant did drink heavily. He I had made promises, but one knew I from experience, that such promises | were hard to keep. The man had lost h)s business, lost his connections and lost his friends. Mrs Tracey gave evidence to the effect that her husband had had a good deal of liquor on his wedding day. She next saw serious drinking about August or September of the same year, when he was engaged in massaging. “That was when his brother died,” said witness. “He was oi| it rather badly then, and he kept it up till well over Christmas. His business was going down heavily, and we had to move to a cheaper flat.” He had pulled himself together aftei- that, said witness, but he went on to drink again from October, 1935, to about January of the next year. He lost his job, and she started him out again with money she had saved. He began to drink again about the j beginning of May. The baby was born not long afterwards. Lajpr he was engaged in the management of a club. ■'This man has been drinking to such an extent that his wile has found It impossible to live with him,” remarked the magistrate. She had tried to make him give it up. He had promised to dp so, but he had not had the strength to carry out hie I promises. He was not sufficiently great to be able to give up drink. Tracey, who seemed to be much distressed, broke in with an indistinct reference apparently to his experience in the boxing ring. The magistrate said the man was undoubtedly fond of his wife and child, but it seemed that they would be better separated. Orders for separation, guardianship and maintenance were made.