MARRIAGE LAW AMENDMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10418, 16 April 1897, Page 3

MARRIAGE LAW AMENDMENT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Siuce I last wrote, advocating public* notice by advertisement in the local newspapers or "applications for license to marry," some criticisms have appeared, and the letter ot Archdeacon Willis has recalled the history of previous efforts in the same direction. The chief objection raised is that many people dislike publicity and "fuss," and prefer "quiet" weddings. However, it has not been proposed to advertise either date or place of marriage, only of "intention to marry." But what have likes and dislikes to do with a question of public policy ? The editor of a Napier paper thinks I am " wasting time" by taking up this question; and certainly, if everyone is to do as they like, as he maintains, why waste time over marriage Acts or marriage ceremonies at all! But these modem Epicureans not only want to do as they like, but they want other people to bear the consequences. They are like those practical (!) politicians who would abolish taxation and provide pensions out of the National Debt. We say it is a question of public policy and morality that marriage should be regarded not merely as a form of private agreement, but as a social compact, and that the law should provide tor adequate public notice being given. As must be well-known to all readers of the Loudon papers, fashion has long since decreed that engagements should be made public, and in circles where this custom does not hold good, marriage by bauns and not by license is considered "good form." While writing this the Grey Rivei Argus of the 7th inst. has come to hand. In a leading article discussing this question occurs the following very pertinent remark on the case of Paymaster Craddock: "He would probably not have been an absconding thief, nor would his marriage have been celebrated had his intentions to marry been duly and properly proclaimed or announced in one of the Sydney journals." Is is perfect!} true that the "unruly wills and affections of men and women cannot be eradicated, but they can be restrained by the fear of the law, and they may be influenced for good by a higher standard of lite. If marriage were less regarded as a convenient cloak for selfish indulgence, and more publicly recognised as the open avowal of natural ties aud duties with which the welfare of society is bound up, we should have happier and hcalthie" homes.—l am, etc., Wit. Rowbottom. 44, Grafton Road.