£1000 DAMAGES

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 307, 20 May 1913, Page 6

£IOOO DAMAGES

AUCKLAND DIVORCE CASE. , , Auckland, May"'l 7. A claim for £2OOO damages and the dissolution of his marriage' witli Mary Ann Elizabeth Moore was'. made by j Percy George Henry Mporc yesterday.J Samiiel Twigg, whose sheep run 'is situated seventeen miles putside of'!W'airoa, Hawke's Bay, was joined as co-re : spondent. The case was undefended. Counsel explained that the issues to go before the jury were whether adultery had been committed, and, if so, what damages should be awarded. The petitioner was a stonemason at work in England until 190 S. He then left for New Zealand, and utlimately brought out. his wife. They had secured a position as a married couple on co-respondent's run. Owing to the nature of his work, the petitioner was often away from the homestead. The facts were—in the main admitted—that adulterous relations had existed for several years. Co-respond-ent offered petitioner any sum of money he liked if he would take back his wife and forego divorce proceedings. However, proceedings had been commenced, and written admissions had been given by both respondent and the co-respond-ent. The evidence of Moore was taken, and the admissions.read. A further letter from Twigg offering to see that Moore secured £IOOO, and to make provision for his wife and child remaining alive, was also read. The jury found that adultery had boon committed and considered that £IOOO damages should be awarded. His Honor granted a decree nisi, to he made absolute in three months, and allowed costs on the highest scale. He also ordered that the amount be paid into the Court within fourteen days, and added that he would consider in what manner the sum should be disposed.