THIS DAY.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3142, 14 March 1879, Page 2

THIS DAY.

(Before Major Keddell, E.M.) FAILING TO SUPPORT.

Matthew Teasdale was charged with failing to contribute to the support of his wife, Eliza Teasdale.

Defendant pleaded not guilty. Mr Campbell for complainant; Mr Bragsey for defendant.

Eliza Teasdale, sworn, deposed—l am the wife of defendant, and was married to him on December 27, 1878 (certificate of marriage produced). I hare been living with my husband until Tuesday week last. On the evening of that date I told Teasdale I was going down to see my mother, but got no reply from him. I went to my mother's, and on returning home saw my husband on the road. He came up to me and said he would choke me when he got home. My sister inter* fered, and I got away. Subsequently a policeman. came to my mother's house, and said my husband wanted me. I told him that I was afraid of my life, and he told me not to go home till Teasdale's temper was over. I went home an hour later, but found no one in, and went the following morning and evening with the same result. On Thursday morning I went down, and my husband told me to take my things and go. The clothes were all packed up. I said I did not want to go, but he said I would go. He carried my clothes down to my mother's, and threw them over the fence. Teasdale did not give any cause for his action, and did not offer to support me. I know Kneebone and McGee. I did not say to my mother I would live with Kneebone. I remember once spending £5 for a silk dress. The rest went for rent. I did not on one occasion tell him that I was II d d well tired of him." I was at service at the Old Commodore before my marriage. I paid the house bills. He used to allow me about £1 per week. I have never gone over to Mr Ensor's Hotel. I don't take drink except when I am inclined. I have not been a good customer of Mr Ensor's, though: I have drank beer in my own house with plenty of ladies. The money for the drink was paid by Mrs Smith. I don't recollect my husband coming home one night, and my keeping him outside the door for an hour, and crying when he went upstairs. . When the constable came to get me to go home, I said I would go when Teasdale's temper was cool. I think the constable was Constable Day. He has never been in the house before. Defendant never asked me to come home, but I said I would when his temper was cool. I went home on the evening of the 25th about 8.30, but he was not there. I waited till 9.30. I did not go to my mother's on the 24th in consequence of some words we had about Maggie. I did not curse and swear at my husband when he said he would not have Maggie about the premises.

Teresa Began, sworn, deposed—l am sister to complainant. I was present at ah interview between her and her husband last Tuesday week, down at my mother's house, at the gate. Teasdale caught her by the throat, and tried to pull her over the gate—not in an affectionate manner. I pushed him away and he said, " I'll kill you this night." I got my sister away, and took her inside. I was not there before the assault. If he had asked her to come home I would hare heard it. My sister was just leaving the house to go to her •husband's house.

Margaret Johnston, a girl aged about 14, sworn, deposed — I live with my mother at Karaka Creek, and sometimes go to Mrs Beitman's, who is a neighbor of Mrs Teasdale. I was there on Tuesday week last, and Mrs Teasdale told me she was going to her mother's and would be back in an hour. Later in the evening about 8.30,1 saw Mrs Teasdale knocking at her door. I asked her if that was her. She said she could not get in. Bertha Beitman, sworn, deposed—l live near Mrs Teasdale. About 8 o'clock in the evening I heard Mr Teasdale say to Mrs Teasdale, "Be quick and get your things an 4 go." . - : > At this stage Mr Brassey said that he would make an offer of 10s. ;

] Matthew Teasdale, sworn, deposed—l have been married for 12 months, and since my marriage, on several occasions I have had reason to suspect my wife's conduct. About a month after I was married I went down to fetch my wife from amongst a number of bushmen at the Old Commodore Hotel, where she was playing the piano. When she was going home she said'she was "d—d well disgusted with me." On one occasion she kept me waiting outside for an hour and a half. I have good reason to suspect her fidelity. (Witness here gave his version of the quarrel, which did Hot materially differ from the complainants.) Order made that defendant pay 17s per week, and costs pf the Court.