BREACH OF PROMISE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12239, 7 April 1903, Page 6

BREACH OF PROMISE.

a FICKLE soldier. PLEIADS HIS WOUNDS AND ILLHEALTH. A case was hoard before Mr. Justice Pring at Sydney on March 30, in which Rose Cordelia Rudd claimed £500 as damages for breach of promise from George Ralsion hospital attendant. The defendant wen?to South Africa with the Bushmen's Contingent and aS T,? ely wounded at the battle of Elands River. In opening the case Mr Mack stated that the acquaintanceship between the parties began in 1899 at Wag™ and it soon ripened into affection. • When the war in South Africa began the defendant decided to go to the front. While in camp at Randwick he wrote most affectionate letters to the plaintiff. When the time came for his departure she was not able to come down and see him off, but sent her younger sister May to do so This was of the trouble. The younger sister deeply impressed him, and he carried the impression away with km; it remained with him throughout the campaign, and it existed when ho returned. It was now stated that he Intended to wed the plaintiff's sister. While defendant was at the front ,he continued writing most affectionate letters to the plaintiff, and instead of making her aware of the change in his feelings he visited her on his return as though the position was unchanged The plaintiff stated that" she was residing at Wagga in 1893, and she continued to reside there until about six months ago when sue came to Sydney.. She also gave evidence as to the affectionate relationship of herself and the defendant up .to the time that he wont to the war with the Bushmen's Contingent, and as to the receipt of affectionate letters from him. She had heard that he was engaged to her sister May. Her own age was 25. and she was in delicate health. - The defendant said the reason "ho would not marry the plaintiff was j on' account of the injuries he had received in the war, which had destroyed his health. : There was no engagement with May. After he was wounded he wrote to plaintiff, " I think I am the happiest chap in the world; J have such a love as yours. lam sure a man could not have such perfect love as you give me." He had also tied on the letter a pretty little piece of blue ribbon, with- poetry on it. '■ The jury returned a verdict lor the plaintiff for £20. : ; * ■■.■-■.-. ■:.■: W*^%