Reading Mercury
Dated 4th May 1872
BOROUGH MAGISTRATE’S OFFICE
Friday May 3
Before T Flint, Esq., Mayor J H Mason, and J F Hickman, Esqrs.,
DESERTION. – George Henry Chambers appeared charged with leaving his wife and child, and allowing them to become chargeable to the Common Fund of Newbury Union. This case was adjourned from Monday, to allow the deed of separation to be produced
Mr. Beckhuson, in opening the case, pleaded non-access and adultery, both of which he would prove. He also quoted the decisions of several eminent judges as to adultery, &c. He then called the defendant George Chambers, who said that in November, 1868, he suffered from rheumatic fever, and had to keep his bed. He frequently heard parties come to his house with his wife. In December following, he went to the Hospital, and while there, allowed his wife ten shillings per week for the maintenance of his children. When he took the children from her care, he discontinued the allowance; he also denied the paternity of the child.
Defendant’s daughter, who is thirteen years of age, deposed that when she lived with her mother, in Hazel’s Yard, Bartholomew Street, men used to come to the house nearly every night.
Mr. Tanner contended that Mr. Beckhuson had not proved the non-access of the husband to the wife, and even if he had, the chargeability of the wife would be the same.
The magistrates, after some discussion, said they would defer their decision till Monday next.
This case was later dismissed by the Borough Magistrates. |