WOULD NOT FACE ALTAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13325, 3 November 1906, Page 2 (Supplement)

WOULD NOT FACE ALTAR.

FAITHLESS LOVER TO PAY £300 DAMAGES. A remarkable story was told in a breach of promise case heard at Maidstone Sheriff's Court, in which Miss Lilian Matilda Her toil, daughter of the landlady of the King's Head, Dartford, recovered £300 damages against Harry William Garrett, head clerk at the Wholesale Co-operative Stores. Silvertown. It was- a case of love at first sight, according to Mr. Perceval Hughes, appearing for the lady. Four .years ago, on the occasion of a smoking concert held at the King's- Head, Garrett acted as pianist, and consequently met Miss Horton, who acted as barmaid to her mother, a widow. A mutual attachment sprang up. The young man introduced the girl to his mother, who resided not far from the King's Head. Mrs. Horton, satisfied with Garrett and his prospects, admitted him as the confessed admirer of her daughter into the home circle. A few months later a formal engagement was announced, which extended over a period of three and a-half years. During all this time the young man practically lived in his fiancee's home, taking most of his meals there. It was not until June last that clouds began to overshadow this happy state of things. The banns were published on June 24. A wide circle of friends began, to send in their congratulations and presents. Suddenly Garrett conducted himself hi an extraordinary manner. A day or two after the first publicatior of the banns he announced that " he had not the pluck to get married." Then, in reply to Miss Horton's pleadings, he tried to justify himself by asserting that he had heard stories as to her character which would prevent him from marrying her. Despite indignant denials of such allegations, and stormy scenes between the relatives, Garrett kept his word. After telling the main facts- of the case Miss Horton had a. distressing confession to make, namely, that confident in Garrett's promise of marriage, she had allowed him to take advantage of her and shortly expected to become a mother. Although she had appealed to him on this ground he had refused to listen to her. Garrett, who was said to be 33 years of age, did not appear.