15-YEAR-OLD GIRL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 145, 20 June 1940, Page 20

15-YEAR-OLD GIRL.

ON "MARRIAGE MARKET."

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MOTHER. MELBOURNE, June 11. Allegations that Mrs. Ethel Mary de Lisle, of Ascot Vale, had attempted to marry off her illegitimate daughter, May, aged 15, were made in genera-1 sessions. It was stated that Mrs. de Lisle feared the girl might be an embarrassment when she visited her husband's wealthy relatives in England. Mrs. de Lisle denied the allegations. The evidence wae given when Clyde Johnston, 26, munitions worker, of Spotswood, was charged with having had carnal knowledge of a girl under 16. May told the Court that her mother took her to a matrimonial agency in January. As a result she met Johnston, and her marriage to him was immediately discussed. Certain conduct took place after Johnston had taken her out, she said. Later she told Johnston she would not marry until ehe was 18. Johnston said that he had met May as a result of a visit to a matrimonial agency. A woman at the agency told him May was a "nice little girl of 17." He then visited Mrs. de Lisle, who allegedly told him she wanted to see May married. Mother's Denial.

Mrs. de Lisle told him that May would not recognise Mr. de Liele as her father, and in the circumstances they could not take her with them to England, where de Lisle's wealthy relatives lived, Johnston added. He took May out on several occasions, but at no time did improper conduct occur. May later told him she would not marry. Mrs. de Lisle denied that she had wanted to marry off her daughter. She said ehe took May to what she believed was a social club, with the hope she would meet someone nice who could take her out. There had been no thought of marriage. Judge Richardson said that there was clear evidence of the offence with which Johnston was charged. Johnston was sentenced to two months' gaol. The term was made concurrent with another he is already serving.