A Deathbed Marriage.

Bush Advocate, Volume XIV, Issue 301, 23 March 1903, Page 4

A Deathbed Marriage.

A singular case was disclosed at a meeting of the Perth Hoapital Board recently. It appears that a gii 1 patient, aged 20, who was dying of consumption, was recently married to a youug raun of Ql without the kuowladge of the resident medical officer. Two'nurae? acted as witnessess. The Rev. Father Smyth, who performed tho ceremony, states iD an interview with the girl's mother was entirely opposed to the marriage, and declared it should never take place. Tho couple, however, had lived together, and a child was born, and the girl soon after entered the hospital, suflvrin* from consumption aud her lover, Hogan, expressed a desire to marry her to conceal her shame. When it was seen that the girl was beyond human aid the services of the priest were obtained, and by means of a special license the pair were married. Father Smyth said there was no intention of acquainting the authorities, because it was to be a profound secret. In carrying through the solemn performance he obtained tbp services of those be could trust to retain the secret. The unfortunate girl desired before she died to be united to the man she loved, and by a rule of the church it was possible to marry a couple in such circumstances.