AGREEMENT TO MARRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18774, 30 July 1924, Page 11

AGREEMENT TO MARRY

DOCUMENT DECLARING LOVE.

ANTICIPATION OF DIVORCE. PECULIAR MAINTENANCE CASE. MARRIED MAN'S ADMIRERS. Several letters from women admirers, a marriage contract, and a dilapidated J envelope bearing a list of other admirers* j names, were produced as evidence in a j case before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., at the I Magistrate's Court yesterday, when Olive; May Badham (Mr. Schramm) applied for a separation order from her husband, Charles Wain Badham. Complainant ajso asked for a maintenance order against defendant for the support of herself and four children, and for their guardianship. Mr. Schramm stated that complainant, who had been married eight years, left defendant in March because of his infidelity. Tell-tale evidence had been found by complainant among his belongings. .. Mr. Schramm (to defendant): You are living with another woman now, are you not?— No.' ■ Counsel then produced a home-made agreement between defendant and a certain woman, both their signatures being appended. The agreement read as follows: — "July 18, 1924. "Agreement made this 18th j day of July, 1924, between Charles Wain Badham and—(woman's name given)—of the same address.—The contracting parties hereby agree to become married by all lawful rites within three months of the said Charles Wain Badham securing a divorce from Olive May Badham, provided the following conditions are faithfully carried out: (1} Charles Wain Badham agrees to be absolutely true in every sense of the word to (the woman previously named). (2) The said agrees to be faithful to the said Charles Wain Badham. (3) In the event of the above persons proceeding to Australia,; Charles Wain Badham to insure for a sum of not less than £500. (4) The said do hereby swear her love for the said Charles Wain Badham. (5) The. ,said Charles Wain Badham do hereby swear his love for the said ."

On each sheet of paper a small circular piece of red paper was affixed, evidently representing seals. The Magistrate (to defendant): What have you to say to that; did you write it?—l admit I wrote it. You ask me to believe you are not living with another woman ?—I am not. Mr. Schramm: I have some letters here from his lady friends, and they are all written in endearing terms. I will read them to you, Your Worship. Mr. Hunt: Never mind about reading them; that agreement is enough mr me. Mr. Schramm: Here is another interesting document, bearing the names of Bevc ral ladies- Who are the ladies, Mrs. Badham ?

" They are the ones he has been out with," was the reply. An envelope was then handed to the magistrate. ' Mr. Hunt: Why, it looks like a membership card of the Y.W.CA. (Laughter.) Mr. Schramm: His visiting card. Defendant stated that the discord in the home was caused through his wife's fondness for another man, and not because of his affection for other women. She had given him a paper admitting misconduct, but afterwards said it was untrue, and he therefore tore it up. His wife was not a fit person to have charge of the children.

Mr. Hunt: That will do; you are the one who is not fit to have charge of them, not your wife. I am quite satisfied her story is correct. What are your earnings ? Defendant* About £5 a week. I have been paying £3 a week to the wife and children since she left me in March. Mr. Hunt: Well, you can go on paying £3 a week; that will give yon £2 a week to carry on with. I will grant the separation order and give the wife <ruardianship of the children.