adminThe Rhodesia Herald,
June 7, 1968
A WOMAN who was married five months ago told Mr Justice Davies in the High Court, Salisbury, yesterday that her husband had said he regretted marrying her.
She said he was incapable of any affection for her, and any sexual relations he had with her were out of a sense of duty.
The woman, who said her marriage was happy for the first three weeks only, described how her husband had dropped her at their home earlier this year on their return from South Africa and said to her: “I have no wish to remain with you any longer.”
She was granted a divorce on the grounds of cruelty.
In another case, a mother of five children told the judge that when her husband of more than 20 years was drinking, he would do so continuously for between 10 days and a fortnight.
During his drinking bouts, he would not go to work, or eat, and would be drinking throughout the day and night. He had been sent to hospital three times.
The woman, who was granted a divorce, added that her husband had consulted Alcoholics Anonymous, but as soon as he got another job, he started drinking again.
Meanwhile, a husband, who was granted a restitution order, said that, when he returned from a business trip to Malawi in April last year, he found his home “completely empty, except for a dog, cat and African servant”.
He said that his wife, to whom he had been married for six years, had become dissatisfied because of the need for him to be away from home on business.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
People need to take time to get to know each other while still courting, before getting married, to prevent brief marriages.
Most people are marrying for the wrong reasons and only realise their mistakes after they have plunged into the deep end.
Alcohol, drugs and other substance abuses can be detrimental to one’s health. Relationships with people close to the abuser, especially spouses and children, can be adversely affected.
Couples need to make time for each other to ensure that their relationships remain healthy as too much time apart can lead to strained marriages.
Online Reporter