A BICYCLE COURTSHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 160, 8 July 1899, Page 5 (Supplement)

A BICYCLE COURTSHIP.

AMUSING BREACH 01. PROMISE CASE

An amusing action for breach of promise of marriage was heard at the Loudon Sherim court recently by Mr Deputy .UnderSheriff Burchell and a special jury. The plaintiff was Miss Florence Esther Dnlley, w ho claimed the sum of £500 from Mr Stanley Arthur Rowley, a partner in the firm of Messrs James Rowley and Sons, hat and helmet manufacturers and wholesale stationers, of London. The plaintiff was represented by Mr R. A Gerniaine, who said the plaintiff was 19 when she made t_j*e' acquaintance of the defendant. She was'now 20. The plaintiff first met the defendant In 1897 at the wedding of a mutual friend. Ultimately they became engaged. Defendant afterwards broke off relations at a time when she was suffering from a severe illness, which was aggravated by the treatment she received at his hands. On May 28 the defendant wrote:-"My darling Florrie—l arrived home at a quarter to 12 o'clock. Saw Sid's bicycle outside the Highway Tavern. Did not venture In as. I know what it would be.

. I thought of you asking me to go Straight.home or else I should have gone In. Turning over a new leaf now." On June 14 the defendant signed himself, "Yours till death." Then there was a suggestion that- he was going to South Africa, but he said he would not go without the plaintiff. Counsel read other affectionate letters, in some of which the defendant "rushed Into French" (to quote counsel). On July 13, Mr Germaine said, the defendant addressed a letter to "Mrs S. Dulley, 37 Canonbury Square," thereby Illustrating the line "Coming events cast their shadows before." (Loud laughter.) The defendant addressed her as his wife before that occurrence took place. From August Ihe had gradually got cooler towards the plaintiff, but had frequently attempted to dissuade her from taking proceedings against him.

The plaintiff said she met the defendant at a reception in July, 1897. After subsequent meetings they became engaged, and used to go,about, a.great deal cycling. He had frequently pointed out what his prospects were, and laid stress upon the fact that he was a partner in his father's firm. He wanted to be married soon. Mr Germaine: Did- he say. how much money he spent?

The plaintiff: '"Yes; he said he spent enough tp keep three wives. (Laughter.)

Continuing, the plaintiff said the defendant led her to believe that his firm did a ]#rge business.

Mr Cohen (for the defendant): Was the defendant a flirt? ■

The plaintiff: - do not think so. Mr Cohen: Were there not two or three fair ones.whom .you supplanted?. The plaintiff: Only one.

Mr Cohen;,l thought my friend made him out a Bluebeard. (Laughter.) Mr Germaine: Oh, Bluebeard had wives. (Laughter.) -

Mr Cohen (to the plaintiff): You are not brokenhearted? •' '

The plaintiff: I was very much upset. Mr Cohen. But I saw you smiling when my friend read the funny letters. Tne plaintiff: I can laugh If I am brokenhearted. (Loud laughter.) No witnesses'wer^e called for the defence. The damages wei'e assessed at £200.