Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Wednesday 19 February 1919
Separation & Maintenance Order – Thrice Refused.
An Application for a separation and maintenance order against Matthew Bates, miner Mexborough, was made at the Doncaster West Riding Court yesterday by his wife, Jane, for whom Mr. Allen appeared.
The case had been before the Court on two previous occasions.
Complainant stated that they had been married 21 years, and she left him in June last because of his conduct with another woman, whose husband was killed in the war.
Defendant worked at Denaby, and earned £1 a day.
He denied the allegations and said he had never refused to take his wife back, but admitted he had not asked her to return.
The magistrates again declined to make an order, on the ground that there was insufficient evidence.