Person Page - 2010

At the Civil Sittings of the Supreme Court on Thursday his Honor the Chief Justice heard a petition brought by Samuel Julian James Morcom, of Halifax street, for a divorce from his wife Alice Mabel Morcom, on the ground of the latter's misconduct with William H Fairlie, of Enfield, who was named as the co-respondent. Mr. P. E. Johnstone appeared for the petitioner, and there was no appearance of the respondent or co-respondent.

The petitioner gave evidence to the effect that he was married to the respondent, whose maiden name was Dadsworth on January 3, 1901, at Adelaide. They lived together at Eastwood and other places and finally at Rundle-street. There were four children of the marriage. The witness said he and, his wife had not lived happily together for about six to eight years prior to January last. He became acquainted with the co-respondent in October last on Eight Hours Day, when he was with his wife in Rundle-street, and they met the co-respondant, who was wearing a military uniform. The respondent introduced the co-respondent to the petitioner. On subsequent occasions the witness saw the respondent and co-respondent in each other's company several times. He requested his wife to keep away from the man. She replied that there was no harm in speaking to a friend, The witness told her that he objected to her being in the man's company and she replied that she would not keep away from him.

Edward Smith, agent, said he saw the respondent, who told him she was Mrs. Fairlie. He said, "I think you are Mrs. Morcom." She replied, "I am." The petitioner, who was present, said the woman was his wife. The witness then served her with the citation for divorce, and she replied, "Well that is all right." The witness asked her if she was living as Fairlie's wife, and she replied "yes." He put other questions to her, and after declining to answer, she made an admission. The witness then asked to see Fairlie. Fairlie remarked that he had got into a mess and the witness said it was too late to think of that.

William Henry Brookes, residing at Enfield, said he sought to engage a married couple last January through a registry office. He saw the respondant and co-respondent, who were introduced to him as a married couple in want of a situation. They both signed the name of Fairlie to an agreement. They remained in the witness' service for about a fortnight, and occupied the same room during that time.

His Honor said he would report to the Full Court that he found the allegations of misconduct proved, and that the co-re- spondant was aware that the respondent was a married woman.

Mr. T. S. Poole moved on behalf of Samuel Julian James Morcom for a dissolution of the marriage of the latter with Alice Mabel Morcom the ground of her misconduct with William H. Fairlie. The Chief Justice reported that he found eight allegations of misconduct against the respondent proved, and that the co-respondent knew that the respondent was a married woman. The petitioner was given the custody of two children, aged 13 and 11 respectively, and judgment regarding costs was reserved.²