Astounding Masquerade Ventilated in Court

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 277, 23 November 1945, Page 4

Astounding Masquerade Ventilated in Court

Woman Who Posed As Man and Married

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Nov. 22. An astounding masquerade, the full story of which was told on September 26, in which a woman lived, worked and played as a man for more than 10 years, had a dramatic sequel in the Police Court this morning when two women, one attired as a man, appeared before Mr. J. H. Luxford, S.M., charged with offences under the Marriage Act.

The fact that the defendants had gone through a form of marriage before the Registrar in July last and since then had lived together was stated by Senior-Detective J. Tretheway. Botn defendants pleaded guilty. The two defendants were jointly charged with wilfully making for tne purpose of being included in the Marriage Registe: * Book false statements touching the particulars required to be known under the provisions of the Marriage Act, by falsely stating that the older one was a bachelor, while the younger defendant was charged with making a false declaration for the purpose of obtaining a certificate, by falsely declaring that the older defendant was a bachelor. Both defendant were smartly dressea. The mother of the older defendant stood behind the pair when their names were called. Referring to the older defendant, Senior-Detective Tretheway said that, with the knowledge and consent of her mother, who was a widow, she had been masquerading as a male for the past 12 years under a name different from her

Called Up for Military Service. “She actually registered as a mhie under the National Service Regulations and it was not until she was called up for medical examination in November, 1940, that it was disclosed to the military authorities that she was a female," said the Prosecutor. “About 18 months ago she became acquainted with the other defendant, who is a single woman. The older defendant was at that time living with another woman, who was known as Mrs. (giving the name of the older defendant) but in spite of that alleged relationship, the younger defendant became attached to the older defendant in the belief that she was a man. There was a good deal of jealousy between the older defendant and the alleged wife, with the result that the older defendant left the alleged wife and kept company witn the younger defendant. In spite of the knowledge that the older defendant was a female, the younger defendant persisted in the idea of marriage, with the result that the older one agreed to this course. The younger woman obtained a form from the Registrar of Marriages and both defendants filled it in and it was signed by the younger one, who handed it in at the Registrar’s office."

Continuing, Senior-Detective Trotheway said it was necessary for the younger woman to obtain her mother’s consent and the mother gave her consent in the belief that her daughter was marrying a man. Defendants were married at the office of the Registrar in Auckland.

Mr. King, for defendants, said the facts of the case certainly made it appear to be an affront to public feeling, but it would seem that there was a phycliological background which could explain the association. The fathers of both women died when they were children, the older defendant’s father •being killed in the last war. Both defendants had grown up without the influence of a man. Unusual Religious Outlook. “The mother of the older defendant seems to have had an unusual religious outlook, in which she believed that for a person to reacli perfection, he must become bisexual, as Adam must have been," continued Mr. King. “This must have had some influence on her daughter’s growing up. Early in life she showed male tendencies and other girls were attracted to her." Mr. King said the older defendant had the mentality of a man and worked alongside men for some years. She had kept every position she had as a male. It was principally for economic reasons that she adopted the role of a male, because the burden of the family struggle was so heavy that she desired to protect her family, home and mother. Dealing with the younger defendant, Mr. King said she was a twin, the other being a male. The Court, he said, might find some way of keeping the girls apart. Counsel added that the girls had informed him that they intended to give up their relationship. “This case is unique," said Mr. Luxford. “Although the offence concerns breaches of the Marriage Act, it has a most unusual background, which raises a very difficult social question. Indecent assaults between males have long been the subject of criminal law, but corresponding offences between females, which I understand are very prevalent, are outside the law. I would suggest that the Legislature should give consideration as to whether indecent assaults by females should be proscribed."

Mr. Luxford said he proposed to do more than Mr. King expected. “This is a most unique case and the first of its kind that I can recollect," he said. “1 propose to admit both defendants to probation for three years on condition that they submit themselves to a psychiatrist for examination and assistance, and they remain apart. ’ ’ The Magistrate made an order that the names of both defendants should not be published.