“Both Of Same Mind, So We Married”

Northern Advocate, 30 November 1939, Page 9

“Both Of Same Mind, So We Married”

{Special to “Northern Advocate ”] AUCKLAND, This Day.

‘We were both of the same mind, and could not see why wo should be made unhappy, so I suggested wo wont to n registry office and bo married.” Ronald Claude Evans, who admitted wilfully making, a false declaration under the Marriage Act at Dargaville on November 15, said this in • the Supreme Court today. Evans said he had. with the consent of her parents, been keeping company for 18 months with the girl he\ had married. , Sudden' Change. The parents had then offered no objections, but suddenly changed, and. said he and the girl had to stop going out together. “We discussed the position, and on my suggestion we were married. “That day I sent a telegram to my wife’s parents telling them so. “One of the constables happened to be a witness to the marriage,” said , Evans.

In answer to His Honour, Evans said his wife was 19 years of age last April.

He was employed on a farm at £2 15/- a week, with keep both for himself and his wife.

Fined £lO

Mr Justice Callan said that the parents of the girl apparently took the view that their daughter, 'who was under 21 years of age, was too young to marry. Evans had given The girl’s age as 21 to the registrar. A police officer at Dargaville gave the prisoner a good character. Evans would be fined £lO, in default three months’ imprisonment.

Six months were allowed in which to pay.