BREACH OF PROMISE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10407, 3 April 1897, Page 2 (Supplement)

BREACH OF PROMISE.

NORFOLK MILLINEK AWARDED THIRTY POUNDS.

Some am using letters were read in the breach of promise suit—Cawthorno v, Elvin —hoard lately in the London Sheriff's Court. The plaintiff, Mies Mary Gladys Cawthorno, 24, was a dressmaker, of 53, Earl-atreot, Edgwaro Road, and tho defendant Arthur Alfrod Elfin, au engineer, of 42, Castle-street, Thetford, Norfolk. The damages wore laid at £250. In oponing the case, Mr. Miller said the pair hail known each other from childhood. In February, 1894, the defendant presented plaintiff with u ring, and in August of the eamo year, while the parties were at Yarmouth, the defendant promised to marry. In tho «ummer of 1895, while the couple wore again at Yarmouth, he said that ho had a threshing machine, which he let out to farmers in the district, and thus obtained a substantial sum of money. However, on January 8,15U5, the defendant wrote the following extraordinary letter :—

I cannot save enough this next 12 months to marry, so it is uo use keeping you on. If you feel inclined to break it off do so, and start the New Year different. It's no use waiting all that time. You might bo making hotcer use of your time. I hope you will think bo. and what I nave you (the ring), keep it, Gladys, I went on Monday nii;hc to the play. It was preity good—the doctor's story and tho dancing class With the beet of love to you, and trusting you ure well, I remain, yours sincsrcly, Ali'Rkd. (Laughter.)

On January 'SI, 1895, plaintiff received the following letter :— You seem to be rather upset what we talked about on Sunday night. Now, my dear, you are doubtful whether I ever took her home. It was the first time, and it was not (mo of them girls that Mrs. Allison told you about die dancing class. I should not have siiid anything. I quite believe you have been true to me, and I don't want any such feeling to come between us nny more. 1 told you before I left you I should be true, and I menu it. Hope you did not think I did anything wrong in Lynn, for I did not. I am fond of you. Polly, and always was, aud as for being fast, you are quite fast enough for me. (Loud laughter.) Tho reason the plaintiff received from tho defendant for tho engagement being broken off was that "his people did not like it." He also told her that he had been walking out with a barmaid.

The plaintiff having been called, the defendant gave evidence, and paid he would sooner not marry than live a married life and always be in dobt. (Laughtor.) Crossexamined : He ewiiru thut for eight years, while working for his father, he only received his board and lodging and a small sum for pocket money. Mr. M tiller: But you got engaged on that? Defendant! Why, yes, what's tho harm in being engaged ? (Loud laughter,) , The jury assessed the damages at £30.