AN UNHAPPY PAIR.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2383, 16 July 1892, Page 2

AN UNHAPPY PAIR.

At the R.M. Court, Thnaru, yesterday, before 0, A. Wray, Esq., R.M., H. M. Stonyer was charged on the information of his wife with failing to provide for her support. Mr White appeared for complainant, and Mr Postlethwait© for defendant/ Mr White stated that Mrs Stonyer did not care muoh for an order for maintenance, but she wished for a protection order under the Married Women's Property Act, and an order for the custody of an infant child Coin* plainant |n her evidence stated she was 19 years of age last August, and had been married eighteen months. Sho left her husband eight months ago to be confined at her parents' house, because he had made no provision for the eyent, and had not since returned to him. They did not get on well together, He once threatened to drown her, and reppatfdly threatened to take his own life -had even put a i<ope round his neck, and by these threats had " almost frightened the life out otf her." He gave her no money, beyond about £fy while they were living together, and when asked to make provision for the expected cjiild gave only a promise to do so. All she got was £1 for that purpose, and that she took. Since the separation ho had paid nothing for her maintenance, nor had she asked him for it. She had since been living with her parents. They

lived for a time after the marriage with defendant's mother, and then got a house of their own, but it was most comfortless. Under cross-examination complainant admitted that she knew very little of defendant before they became engaged ; that her parents were unaware of the engagement, and that they were married at New Brighton—(Mr White said the defendant procured the marriage by making a false declaration) —and she returned to her parents for some time. They were angry when they discovered that she was " connected with such people." Complainant admitted that she was on good terms with her husband when he brought her to her mother's for confinement, but she had already made up her mind not to return to him ; and when he called a few days after she refused to see him. Was really afraid to live with him on account of the threats to do away with himself. The rope he put round his neck was fastened to the dog kennel. She did not know whether he was going to hang himself in the dog kennel. Their house was insufficiently furnished, and altogether she had been very miserable. To His Worship she said she was a bit frightened when he threatened to drive her into the creek. Stayed on because he was always saying they would leave that place. Her friends said she could go back ■ to her husband if she wished, but she did not wish it. His Worship asked: "If your husband provided a comfortable home now, would you go back to him 1 " Witness : " No, certainly not; I would not go back now." His Worship said he could not make an order under the circumstances, and the case was withdrawn, His Worship expressing the hope that the parties would come to some arrangement.