TOO POOR TO MARRY.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 201, 23 August 1920, Page 6

TOO POOR TO MARRY.

A TALE FROM THE THAMES. AX UXHAPPY EXDIXG. Two former sweethearts were the principals in the concluding case of theCrimi nal Sessions which was heard before Mr. Justice Stringer and a jury at' the ■Supreme Court to-day. Tlie accused was Kenneth MeElroy Casey (Mr. Meredith), who was charged that a.bout May :<-, 1920, at Thames, he counselled a young domestic servant to undergo an illegal operation. In reply to .Mr. R. P. Hunt, who appeared for the Crown, instructed by the Crown Prosecutor, the girl stated that Casey was her "young man" with whom she had been walking out. When she discovered her condition she asked the accused to marry her, but -he said he had not enough money. Subsequently she had an operation, her allegation being that Casey advised her to take that course.

Dr. J. 15. Liggins. Thames, said the girl had been in his employment, and when he learned that she was in trouble, he sent for Casey and suggested tnat in the circumstance's he should marry the girl. Casey had pleaded financial inability, although witness could recollect that the accused earned good wages. When pressed, the accused told witness he would rather pay 10/6 a week. After .1 lenghtv argument. Casey -asked tin doctor if" he could do anything for the girl. Witness gave an emphatic refusal and prohibited further discussion on that topic. Ultimately- the young woman became ill and was rpmoved to the hospital in a septic condition. She was operated upon successfully. The accused stated that he was 22 years of age. and had known the girl for nine months. He had suggested she should be examined by Mrs. Gerraty. who was a nurse, to ascertain if her condition was as stated by the doctor. Tlie statement that he proposed an illegal operation ita« untrue.

Tlie case is proceeding,