WED GIRL OF SEVENTEEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19221, 9 January 1926, Page 2 (Supplement)

WED GIRL OF SEVENTEEN.

EX-PRIEST SENTENCED. A GENUINE LOYE MATCH. A former Roman Catholic priest who eloped with a colonel's 17-year-old daughter was sentenced to three months' imprisonment in the second division at, Winchester Assizes for making a false marriage declaration. The priest, Francis Ferdinand Friend, of Cowes, had visited the house of Colonel Longhurst, R.A.M.C., at Bath, and had been asked to give arithmetic lessons to the colonel's daughter Cynthia, then aged 15. § B'ricnd, said prosecuting counsel, gained the affections of the girl and asked her to marry him. Until a short time before the marriago he had been a Roman Catholic priest, but he asked for dispensation from his vows. On July 23 last, continued counsel, Friend went to the Registry Office at Winchester and filled up a declaration stating that Cynthia Longhurst was 22, although he must have known perfectly well what her age was. On July 30 they eloped in the small hours of the morning, went to Winchester, and wore married the next day. Mr. Du Parcq, for the defence, said that Friend was born of an English father and a Spanish mother, and was educated at one of the best Roman Catholic schools in this country. " Human nature being human nature," said Mr. Du Parcq, " it does sometimes happen that a man who has been brought up for the priesthood finds that when the time comes the call of the world is too strong for him." "These two young people fell genuinely in love, and were still on affectionate terms. Friend stayed with his wife about a month, then sho went back to her parepts." Counsel added that the man had obtained a good position with a motor firm, who were willing to continue to employ him. Colonel Longhurst appealed for leniency. „ Mr. Ernest Charles, K.C., who was conducting the Assize as Commissioner, said he hoped the sentence—which was the least he could pass—would not prejudice the future happiness of Friend and his wife. Friend: May I have an interview with my wife ? The Commissioner: If there is no objection on the part of the prison officials, I give that authority.