ABSTRACT

The vote of thanka was seconded by Mrs. GARRETT ANDERSON and carried, and the proceedings then termi..; nated, many persons pressing forward to taste the waters of the fountain.

THE new Maintenance of Wives Act continues to give plenty of work for magistrates. On July 27, Charles Williams, a young man living at Plumstead, was summoned by his wife, under the new Act, for a maintenance for herself and child. His defence was that, although parted from her, he allowed her as much at1 he could afford. He earned £2 a week in the Ordnance Committee Office, and he paid her 15s. a week ago. The wife : A fortnight ago,. your worship. The fact is, he

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spends his money on rings and bracelets for other ladies, and cannot spare sufficient for his wife and child. He is a general lover, and I don't know where he has been to lately. Mr. Balgny: Do you think it is Constantinople! . Wife: I cannot say, but I 4ave heard of some queer places. Defendant: I . shall be glad to allow her a fair sum for her support. Mr •. .Ba1guy: Are you willing to allow her 15s. a week f Defendant : Certainly not. I would sooner die on a door mat. Mr • .Balguy: I shall make an order of 15s,. • week. Defendant : I shall not pay it, sir. Mr . .Balguy; Then you wil1 . be sent to prison. Defendant : That will be very unpleasant. Mr. Balguy: Not so unpleasant as dying on a doormat. .