THE PRICE OF WIVES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1664, 19 April 1884, Page 2

THE PRICE OF WIVES.

The price of wives seems to have gone up lately. Two who wore lately sold fetched half-a-erown and,sixpence. Wives rule higher at Ruabon, where, it seem, that a really superior article fetclies.no less than 10s. This, at any rate, is the figure at which a Ruabon miner parted with his wife, though tho enhanced price' may be due to the fact that some children seemed to be included in tho bargain. The bargain was anticipated by tho elopement of his wife with her subsequent purchaser. The pair went, it seems, to Tyldesley, in Lancashire, and the abductor wrote to the husband a very friendly letter, asking whetlior the latter would give the lady up. If the swain who found himself preferred was a sensitive man—of which, however, there does not appear to be any evidence—it must have pained him deeply to tell the deserted husband that Sarah preferred death to. the company of her lawful spouse, " Therefore," the writer continued, with some' little confusion between the "postal and telegraph departments, "if you are willing, kindly wire a note signed by your own hand, stating you are willing for me to make her a comfortable home, and the children and I will forward you 10s in cash, for a New Year's gift after you do me that kindnoss" The husband readily did " that kindness."