DIVORCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1949, 28 September 1889, Page 1

DIVORCE.

In the Supreme Court, Dunedin, the divorce case Dalbedhyll against Dalbedhyll ?i a wife’s petition for dis-' solution of marriage, was commenced on Wednesday but not concluded. In the pleadings there was a denial of marriage but that has since been withdrawn. The plaintiff alleges that domestic troubles commenced shortly after marriage in 1865. Adultery is alleged at Hokitika and Dunedin, together with cruelty. The respondent used to frighten her by alleging ; that she had committed bigamy, because she had married before having proof of her first husband’s death. She married respondent in her maiden name, because she was under age when first married. He knew these facts before marriage. The evidence was much the same as that given in the libel case, some two years ago, against Mr Brnnton. For petitioner it was alleged the ; husband had committed adultery at Hokitika with a servant, Grant, who cannot be found, and afterwards with another servant, while he bad been guilty of indecent behaviour to t#9 other servant girls. It was alleged petitioner had nearly been strangled on one occasion, had been thrown downstairs, and otherwise treated cruelly; In crossexamination by Mr Dalbedyhll, witness admitted writing friendly letters ,to Miss Matthews, a kind ©f companion and servant, after an incident of which she complained. She admitted being jealous of Miss Matthews, although in the previous action she might have said she was not jealous of, her husband. The latter in his examination denied all the charges, and said there was not a word of truth in them. The case concluded on Thursday evening. As suhrriitted to the jury the case became one not for divorce but judicial separation on the ground of cruelty. The issue as to adultery was answered in the negative, but the jury could not agree as to the issue whether the husband had been guilty of cruelty, As there was no prospect of even a three-fourths verdict, the jury were discharged, and terms arranged. A verdict' was taken as to the adultery charges.