DOMESTIC UNHAPPINESS  IN
KESWICK.

    Lucy PARKER, applied to Keswick's  magistrates on Saturday for an order of separation from her husband, Henry  PARKER, shoemaker, Keswick, with maintenance for herself and her children.

    The husband appeared indifferent and unconcerned as to the result of the application. To the Clerk's inquiry as to  why he had not contributed to his wife's maintenance he replied: "I have to a  certain extent."

   " But why don't you contribute  properly?"

    "I don't see where I haven't done so."  Then he added, "If she will say what she requires I am  quite willing and  able to pay the amount, sir."

    "I want a separation order."

    The wife expressed the same desire, and  she wanted 12s per week.

    PARKER: "I'll pay it sir."

    In reply to further questions he said he  was a shoemaker, and worked for Mr. Jno. COWARD (piece work) and on an average  earned 24s a week, though he said it was not every man in Keswick that could  earn that sum.

    As reasons for their disagreements, the  wife alleged on the part of her husband his drinking habits, while he on his  part accused her of fits of bad temper.

    It appeared from his wife's statements  that PARKER had contributed very irregularly to her maintenance. They were  married November 1st, 1894. During the last four weeks he had been giving them  perhaps 1s or 2s when they wanted something to eat.

    The husband: "About 2s or 3s anytime you  asked for it."

    It seemed that efforts at reconciliation  and re-union in the past had unfortunately not proved lastingly successful, and  neither of the parties
seemed desirious of it on this occasion.

    The chairman, Col. SPEDDING said they  would grant the separation, but they did not think the amount promised by PARKER  for the maintenance of his wife and children sufficient. It was quite possible  he added, that his wife's temper might be the cause of his drinking, though his drinking might also aggravate her  temper, and if he stopped drinking that  temper might disappear.
There were faults on both sides. PARKER must pay15s a  week to his wife, who would have custody of the children.

    The husband: "Where am I supposed to get  it?"

    The Chairman: "You must stop  drinking."