A COUNT’S MARRIAGE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 11 July 1925, Page 5

A COUNT’S MARRIAGE.

“MERELY A FORM.” AN (EXTRAORDINARY CASE. BY CARLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION--COPYRIGHT. LONDON, July 9. There has been an extraordinary case in the Divorce Court, in which the Italian Count Jerome Valier sought a decree of nullity of a register office marriage in 1916 to Maisie Davis, who counter-petitioned on the grounds of Valier’s misconduct with the Marchesi Balbi, whom Valier married in 1922. Sir' E. Marshall-Hall, Iv.C., stated that Valier belonged to a notable fifteenth century family. He was left without parents in his infancy, and he found on coming of age that his patrimony had been dissipated, so he came to England to earn his living. Later, he met Maisie at a West End club, and eh© -suggested marriage. She fold -him it wa s merely a form. She obtained a license and they were married, she buying the ring and paying all expenses. Later, Maisie said: “You can get a divorce whenever you like.” They only met thrice since the marriage, which was never consummated.

Valier regarded the ceremony ns akin to th" Italian custom of betrothal. He subsequently found the marriage invalid in Italy because it had not been registered there, so he wrote to Maisie say in rr that he was determined to regain his freedom, but she had gone to America. Later, she intimated that she had obtained a decree nisi. Valier married the Marchioness Balbi, upon which an old family lend was stirred up, and Jbe was charged with bigamy, but action was suspended pending the present case. Valier gave evidence that he was.unaware he was signing a marriage certificate. He had never intended marrying Davis, who asked him to keep it secret.

Mr. Justice Merrivale said he was convinced the count did not appreciate the natiiTe of the ceremony, therefore he was entitled to a nullity decree. The counter-petition was dismissed, but he granted Davis her costs.