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• 29 Oct 1903: DIVORCE. A pending divorce suit by Mabel Beatrice Maud Rickerby against Arthur Burns Rickerby formed the subject of proceedings, before Mr. Justice Hood, to-day. The respondent, who is now described as a collector, was at the date of the marriage, 17th June, 1897, a probationer and lay reader at the Primitive Methodist Church, North Melbourne. The application to-day was for the pay ment of £20 to cover the wife's costs, and also of a weekly sum for alimony. The petitioner made an affidavit, in which she stated that she was at present residing at Ballarat, and had no means of support. To the best of her belief her husband is in receipt of £3/5/- per week, besides commission. The husband made an affidavit to the effect that he only received £3 per week, out of which, after paying for board and lodging, he had only 15/- a week for himself. Mrs. Rickerby stated in another affidavit that her husband, in a letter to her, boasted of having made £14/10/- in one week, and of having £40 in the Savings Bank. In another letter he threatened, if an order were obtained against him, to go to gaol rather than pay it. The respondent was called, and said that, in 1901 his solo income was £2/15/- per week, whilst in 1902 it was £3, and he also made £6 in commission. He denied that he made £14/10/ in one week by betting, or any thing at all, and excused himself for telling fancy tales in his letters by saying that it was a husband's privilege to write anything he chose to his wife. Counsel inquired, "Is it a husband's privilege to tell lies to his wife?" and the witness replied with another query, "Never mind. Do you always tell the truth to your wife?" Respondent, in reply, said he only spent 10/- a week in expenses, which went in repairs for his bicycle, pocket money and drinks. His Honor ordered the respondent to pay £20 for his wife's costs, and alimony at the rate of 15/- per week, with £3/3/- costs. Mabel Beatrice Maud Wightwick²
• 5 Nov 1903: In the second case, Mabel Rickerby, of Ballarat East, asked that her marriage with Robert A. Rickerby might be annulled. The parties were married on 17th June, 1897, according to the rites of the Church of Christ, respondent then residing at West Melbourne. Petitioner complained of infidelity and cruelty on the part of respondent in January, 1901. Owing to the nature of the evidence, his Honor ordered that it should not be reported at length. Respondent denied the charges brought against him. His Honor granted a decree nisi for dissolution of the marriage, and ordered that petitioner should have the custody of a child of the marriage, respondent to be allowed to see it once a month. Mabel Beatrice Maud Wightwick³