GIRL WAITER AT CHURCH

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 January 1934, Page 8

GIRL WAITER AT CHURCH

£350 “BREACH” AWARD. LONDON, November 24. The story of a 24-year-old girl who had prepared a home and went to church, but waited in vain for the bridegroom to arrive, was told in London Sheriff’s Court yesterday. She was Miss Elsie Grace Rigg, The Grange, Abbey Street, Bermondsey, and she claimed damages from Mr. John Thomas Whitnail for breach of promise.

Miss Rigg said that she had bought many things for the home and had herself paid £3 7s 6d for the special license, of which 30s was refunded.

“We had been engaged since September, 1928, and had arranged to be married in July this year at St. James’s Church, Bermondsey,” added plaintiff. “I went to the church with relatives ami friends, but Mr. Whitnall did not turn up. As a result of the shock I was ill, had to be treated by a doctor and then take three weeks’ convalescent holiday.”

Whitnall, giving evidence, said the reason ho did not marry Miss Rigg was that she had a wicket temper and had insulted all his relatives and friends.

Under-Sheriff Burchell, summing up, said the girl had been disgraced in church. He described Whtinall’s action as heartless, and added, to the jury: “You are in a position to make his pocket smart. If he treated this girl like this he might attempt to do the same to some other girl.” | Damages were assessed by the jury at £350, and judgment was accordingly given for Miss Rigg.