One Sailor Found Romance In N.Z.

Northern Advocate, 21 December 1945, Page 10

One Sailor Found Romance In N.Z.

(Special) AUCKLAND, This Day. One sailor at least on the aircraftcarrier Indefatigable, which left Auckland yesterday, found a wife during his brief visit to Auckland and even briefer visit to Wellington. The swift romance had a somewhat unhappy sequel, as the sailor returned to his ship to face charges of marrying without the consent of his captain—a serious offence in the Royal Navy—and being absent without leave. He is still serving a sentence of 20 days’ stoppage of leave and pay. This, however, has “not taken the edge off” his happiness. Indeed, he is extremely pleased over his marriage and his meeting with his wife as a stroke of good fortune. “I just fell for her at first sight ” he said when seen aboard the Indefatigable before she sailed, “and I think it was the same on her part. We were married in a registry office in Wellington and I decided right then to settle in New Zealand.” CONSCIENCE PRICKED The sailor added that his wife arranged to give him £2l for clothing. and incidentals. Then they left for a country district near Wellington, where it was decided he should engage in farming on the property of his wife’s parents. He lived there for almost a week in complete happiness. “Then my conscience pricked me," he said. “I felt it was my duty to return to the ship, as I thought I would be regarded as a deserter. My wife was quite happy to let me go, but as soon as I can get out of the Navy I will return to New Zealand. When I do come back we are going to be married again in a church.” Speaking with a broad Yorkshire accent, the sailor said he anticipated his punishment. However, he felt keen.y about being unable to see his wife before leaving New Zealand. A stoker on the carrier, he has been in the Navy for three years.