Rough on the Child.

Evening Star, Issue 8116, 16 January 1890, Page 4

Rough on the Child.

A curious complication in connection with a marriage has occurred in Brisbane. An illiterate couple repaired to tho registrar to havethehnot tied, but that official discovered that the fair one was under age. He had therefore to refer them to the Magistrate, before whom certain oaths as to the nonexistence of a guardian had to be taken. This over and some necessary papers signed, the Magistrate assured the couple that all was right now. They ought to have taken the papers back to the registrar, who would have performed the ceremony, but they concluded from the Magistrate’s assurance that they were duly made one, and they “acted accordin’.” The next incident in the story arose after the birth of the firstborn, which the proud father duly registered. Then the registrar discovered that the couple were not on his books, and took action against the parent for registering as legitimate the birth of a child which was illegitimate. It took some trouble to explain to the couple that a ceremony of marriage had not been performed in their ease, but when this fact was brought home to them the result was singular. The “ wife ” refused to be legally married, and elected to separate. She was tired of her bargain, and hailed with gladness the chance of relief from it.— ‘Exchange.’