RICH LUNATIC'S MARRIAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17294, 18 October 1919, Page 2 (Supplement)

RICH LUNATIC'S MARRIAGE.

ANNULLED BY THE COURT.

AN ESCAPE FROM ASYLUM. The marriage of a lunatic, who was an inmate of Ticehurst Asylum with a former housemaid there, which formed the subject of an unusual suit to have the marriage set aside, was decided in the Divorce Court in London by Mr. Justice Shearman, who declared the union null and void. Mr. J. H. Baldwin, a wealthy inmate, had escaped from the institution, and married Mrs. Mann, the widow of a soldier who had been killed in France, and the petitioner, through his son, Captain Baldwin, asked for the nullity of the marriage on the ground that at the time of the ceremony he was not mentally capable of appreciating the contract and its responsibilities. Dr. G. W. Potter, whose evidence had been taken on commission, stated that he had known petitioner for 36 years. Before his mind was deranged he was always very keen after money, and was very fond of wine and whiskey. He was " pig-headed," and wanted his own way if he could. After he became mentally afflicted he had many delusions. He had attempted suicide, and thought that he had stolen a' large house at Hampstead, whereas he had purchased it.

Wanted to Kill His Son. In witness' opinion he could not have been of sound mind when he married the respondent. Mr. Baldwin told him that he had married, as he thought he could not be recertified a lunatic, and would get controj of his estates. During his insane periods he hated his son, and threatened to murder him. Witness once knew a lunatic who thought he was a gasometer. His" Lordship: I remember, in the old days, a man who imagined he was a powder magazine, and had always to be drinking to put himself out. (Laughter.) Dr. R. H. Cole a specialist in mental diseases, stated that he visited Ticehurst in April last, and saw the petitioner, and was with him for an hour. Petitioner expressed dismay at the suit, and said he felt almost broken-hearted at being separated from his wife. He had courted the lady, and had devised the means of escaping to marry her. He said he liked the woman, and was in love with her. He desired to make a will leaving two-thirds to his children and one-third to his wife. Respondent's Denials. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Baldwin, the respondent, stated that while she and her late husband were at Tirehurpt House Mr. Baldwin was very friendly with them, and gave them presents. Counsel: So far as yon can see, did he understand the responsibilities of marriage?—As much as I did. He said he hoped there would be no children, as he knew his own brain, and was afraid the children might be affected. Mr. Baldwin made all the arrangements for the marriage. After the wedding they went back to her home at Hastings. Mr. Baldwin returned to Ticehurst to get his his things and some money. When they returned to Hastings on the day of the marriage they called at the Harrow Inn, and Mr. Baldwin told Mr. Ooldsmith, the landlord, that he had tied a knot that he could not untie. Did you get up the stairs outside and communicate to him through the window? — Not after I left. How often did you write to him —Wo wrote to each other nearly every day. What became of the letters —I destroyed them. When ?—After his escape. Why ?—So that they should not be found in my house, and I should not be asked to fell where he had gone. His Lordship: How did they reach him ?— I sent to other places, where he called for them. His Lordship said there had been a clandestine correspondence. Witness said the escape was prearranged between herself and Mr. Baldwin. His Lordship said he was satisfied that the petitioner was not sane when he entered upon the marriage contract. The marriage must he set aside and declared null and void. The lady must have her costs.