A GIRL'S MARRIAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20422, 26 November 1929, Page 9

A GIRL'S MARRIAGE.

FALSE STATEMENT ALLEGED.

OPPOSITION BY FATHER.

HUSBAND AND WIFE CHARGED

[UY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. 5

"WHANGAREI, Monday

A plea of guilty was • entered by William Piatt and Eleanor Benson Piatt, who were charged in the Magistrate's Court to day with having, on July 24 last, made a falso statement to tho registrar of marriages with respect to the age of Eleanor Benson Pitson. Senior-Sergeant Edwards, prosecuting, said the female accused was 17 years of ago on October 23 last. She went to the office of tho registrar and declared she was 21 years of age and was married to William Piatt three days later.

Joseph Pitson, a njiner from Hikurangi, said he was tho father of tho female accused. He knew the other accused, William Piatt, who had asked his permission to marry his daughter. He had refused on account of his daughter's youth. Cross-examined as to whether there was any other reason for his not giving his consent witness admitted ho did not think Piatt was worthy of his daughter. Later he discovered they had been married without his consent. He denied saying to his daughter, "You have made it hard for me and I will make it hard for you." He admitted ho had informed the police, as he wanted to see both his daughter and William Piatt punished. He was not awaro of his daughter's condition at the time of the marriage. Piatt did not tell him. Even if he had known, said witness, he would not have given his consent. Constable Quinn, of Hikurangi, said he interviewed both accused and they made statements admitting the charge. He knew William Piatt as a hard-work-ing and steady young man. William Donohue, deputy-registrar of marriages, said the accused came to his office and filled in the necessary forms. Ho married them three days later. The female accused told him her age was 21 years. Witness said only one signaturo of the contracting parties was necessary and he acted upon the signature of the female accused.

Tha accused pleaded guilty and were committed to the Auckland Supreme Court for sentence. Bail was allowed in accused's own recognisance of £25 each, on condition that they report to the police once a week.