MARRIED AT 16.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 299, 17 December 1937, Page 8

MARRIED AT 16.

GIRL IN COURT.

AUSTRALIAN ROMANCE.

FALSE PRETENCES CHARGE.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

CHRISTCHURCH, this day.

The career of a married girl, aged 16, was outlined by Chief Detective W. H. Dunlop at a sitting of the Children's Court. Mr. E. C. Levvey, S.M., presided.

During her adventures the girl had travelled to Australia and had married, giving a false name and stating that she was 25 years of age. She was charged to-day with false pretences, the police alleging that she obtained £24 10/, all told, by valueless cheques. The case was adjourned until January 19, the girl pleading guilty. The husband appeared in Court and said that he was prepared to accept responsibility and make restitution. The case was an unusual one, said Mr. Dunlop. The girl's story was that she secured a position in a city firm and told her fellow employees that she was going to Australia, England and the Continent as a governess. Filled In Cheques. She went to a hotel and secured two cheque forme, filling in one for £12 and the other for £12 10/. She bought some goods and received some cash. She then went to Australia on April 27. The New Zealand police got in touch with the New South Wales police. The girl was married in Australia. The position was awkward, continued Mr. Dunlop. The accused was a juvenile, and yet a married woman. "She gave a false name and in addition an incorrect age," said Mr. Dunlop. "Under the Marriage Act her romance in Australia may end a«* it has here." The girl's husband said that lie had made arrangements for his money to be transferred to Cliristchurch. This would take about two or- three weeks. Ho was married on November 20, and was prepared to make restitution. lie intended to stay in New Zealand for some time.

"I t.liink I liad better warn you of your danger," said the magistrate. "1 don't want to worry you—you prolxihlv havo enough already—but she has made a fal*<> declaration under thv Marriage Act. If you let her go l«ck she m

running the risk of a long term of imprisonment."