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Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 35, 11 February 1891, Page 5

The following quobabion from the statistical handbook jusb by the Government conveys information not generally known :—The ages ab which persons may conbracb binding marriage in bhe colony are bhe same as in England, viz., 12 years in females and 14 for males. Marriages may be conbracted ab earlier ages than those stabed, but bhey would be voidable ab bhe discretion of either of the parties upon reaching the age of 12 or 14 aa bhe case may be, and wibhoub bbc necessity of proceedings in Courb. For bhe period 1874-89, inclusive, 12jfemales under 14 years of age have married. Of bhese, ooe was only 11 years old. During the same time only three males under 17 have married ; these had all reached 16 years of age. Tbe average age of the males in bhe colony who married in 1889 was 29-9 years, and of bhe females 24 6 years. * The forthcoming gubernatorial visit to Auckland will be an evenb of imporbance in bhe social world. The facb bhab bhe Countess will accompany Lord Onslow and share in the social duties demanded by her husband's position will bo pleasing to Auckland people. Already there are various propositions mooted as to bhe rnosb fitting way Auckland can show honour to New Zealand's Governor and his wife, who have never scrupled to show how much they admire the premier oiby of bhe Norbh. Aboub bhe most popular idea seems bo be bhe giving of a citizens' ball bo bhe distinguished pair. There has nob been such a function for some years, and there is no doubb that besides being a befitting way of showing honour, ib would also give immense gratification bo a very large number of cibizens. That an affair of bhi3 sort, if properly managed, would be a most brilliant success, is certain, and bhere are plonty of strong hands able and willing bo manage the affair, so that in all probability ib will become an accomplished facb— creditable alike to our city and the feelings of loyalty to her whom Lord Onslow so worthily represents. Already some of the best known and most reliable of Auckland's public men are moving, and if true esprit de corps is shown the cities of the Soubh will not have eclipsed Auckland #in entertaining the Queen's representative. The Admiral and Lady Scott will of course be present at the time Of the ball, and probably a number of other smart folk from the Squadron. Between the 25th and end of February is spoken of as a likely time.