55 SUES 82 FOR “BREACH”

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 July 1928, Page 3

55 SUES 82 FOR “BREACH”

SECOND WOMAN AS “CUPID.”

A breach of promise action in which the woman was 55 and the man 82 came before Mr. Justice Rigby Swift and a mixed jury at. Lancaster Assizes recently. Miss Margaret Thomas'on, a retired stonemason, of Church Street, Silverdale, for damages. Mr. Jolly, for Miss Thomason, said that promise of marriage was made when Mr. Robinson was 70.

Mr. Goldie (for the defence): We are still willing to carry out the contract.

Mr. Jolly: So are we. Mr. Justice Swift: Had we better not adjourn and sit in another building which is just outside (the parish church)? If they want a best man and bridesmaid I am sure Mr. Goldie and you will oblige. Mr. Jolly: We should be quite willing.

Mr. Jolly said that Mr. Robinson told Miss Thomason he was worth £30,000, having land in Alberta, war bonds, and property at Silverdale. He could not write, and a Silverdale friend, Mrs. Fleming, wrote letters for him and enclosed them to Miss .Thomason. Mr. Justice Swift: It is getting more romantic. (Laughter). Mr. Jolly said that Miss Thomason received a lock of Mr. Robinson’s hair and he gave her snowdrops in the spring and roses in the summer. The ring was produced to Mr. Justice Swift, who said, “Diamonds and il'Ubies.” Mr. Goldie (cross-examining): When has defendant refused to marry you? —He has not absolutely refused, but he has had long enough time to be shaping. (Laughter.) Did you propose to him? —He told me he would marry me. Ladies have to shake men up sometimes when they are so slow.

Mr. Robinson, in evidence, admitted he had land in Canada for which he was asking £4OOO. If there had been a quick sale there would have been a quick marriage.

Mr. Goldie: Would you marry her to-morrow if you could afford to keep a wife? —Yes. Happen, before tonight. (laughnter).

Mr. Goldie asked if they walked out.

His Lordship: Ask him if he courted her. When you get. to the age of your client, Mr. Goldie, you will know more about these things. (Laughter). Mr. Goldie: I have forgotteen all 1 ever knew. (Renewed laughter). Mr. Robinson said that he previously altered his will to give Miss Thomason an equal share with his daughter, but he had made another will in which he had left her nothing.

His Lordship. And yet you still say you love her and are ready to marry her. Tho jury awarded Miss Thomason £5O damages.