THE DIVORCE LAW.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 September 1920, Page 4

THE DIVORCE LAW .

PROPOSALS IN NEW BILL. By Telegraph.—Preu AiioeUtlon. ■ Wellington, Last Night, Consideration of the Divorce and Mat* limonial Cauiea Amendment Bill was continued in committee in the Legislative Council this afternoon. The Hon. W. H. Triggs -wished'to be assured that the Bill would sot allow divorce by collusive desertion, The Hon. J. MacGregor replied that the opportunity for collusion lay in adultery and not in desertion. That was the result of a test of experience in other countries. He considered it most undesirable to insist x>n parties living together for a certain period alter an order for the restitution of conjugal rights before refusal to obey the order should be taken' as desertion. The Bill, with minor amendments,, was put through committee and reported. On the third reading, the Hon. 0. Samuel explained a new clause amending the reference in the principal Act to applications for the restitution of conjugal rights. The principal A«t said the Court "may" grant j.n order. "May," in this case, Was hell to be 1 ' mandatory, so that even in cases where an brder obviously should not be granted it had to be made. The new clause addecf to the Bill made the power cf the court specifically discretionary.