SUITOR'S CLAIM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22673, 10 March 1937, Page 14

SUITOR'S CLAIM

BROKEN ENGAGEMENT WOMAN REFUSES MARRIAGE SUIT TO RECOVER £lO FAILS [BY TELEGRAPH —"HESS ASSOCIATION] C'HRISTCIIURCH, Tnesday A sequel to a broken engagement was heard in the Magistrate's Court this morning, when the man concerned, I). M. Carey, paper runner, of Christchurch, sued the woman, Helen Christie, also of Christchurch, claiming £'lo, allegedly lent to her in settlement of an account.

In his statement the plaintiff set out that he claimed from the defendant £lO lent and advanced to her, and by her direction paid by him to Irwin and Irwin, of Duncdin, solicitors, in settlement of an account owing by the defendant. Alternatively, plaintiff claimed to recover from the defendant £lO paid on her account in consideration of an engagement to marry, which had been entered into between the plaintiff and the defendant, which engagement was later broken off by the defendant. Mr. F. F. Reid's.M., heard the case, and counsel were Mr. K. G. Archer, for plaintiff, and Mr. It. A. Young, for tho defendant.

Money for Decree Absolute Darcy Myers Carey, in evidence, said that Helen Christie promised to marry him. She told him at the time that she was divorced, but did not have a decree absolute. She added that if ho produced the 11101103' to got the decico made absolute she would marry him. Accordinglyhe paid the £lO necessary in April of last year. He kept company with her until the last show. "Throe times preparations were made for a marriage," witness added. "My people were all ready, but sho turned us down flat. We had even gone as far as going to the registrar and had fixed a date and signed the papers. She would not go on with it, however. Each time the date was fixed, she was responsible for the marriage not going on." Friendly With Another Man

Witness continued that Helen was friendly with another man, and it was decided to write to him. Part of a letter produced was in the woman's writing and read:—"l think it is time we had an immediate understanding." The engagement was finally broken off when they had a disagreement on show day. As far as the marriage was concerned, he would have gone through with it on each of three occasions. "When Helen would not marry me I asked for my money back," Carey's evidence concluded. "However, she said it was only a 'fleabite' and refused to give the amount back." After hearing evidence the magistrate nonsuited Carey. "Perhaps he is unfortunate, but, on the other hand, he may not be," said Mr. Reid. "His experience may be cheap at £10."