ON THE DEATHBED.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 28 May 1923, Page 9

ON THE DEATHBED.

Peculiar Marriages. (Received 11 p.m., May 27*) LONDON. An effor tis being made through the High Court to legalise deathbe*. marriages performed under singulav circumstances. Rees Young, a collier, received terrible injuries in a colliery accident. He was taken to Swansea hospital where he was visited daily by Florence Stevens, to whom he was betrothed. After a while she returned home, but was recalled when Rees was dying. He pleaded for marriage, but tho Vicar of Swansea said lie could not perform the ceremony, as tho banns were not published. The Rev. All Alorgan, a Nonconformist, happened to call at the hospital to see a member of his ■ Church, when Florence, run ning up said, “I want yon to marry me, as my lover is dying fast.” The Minister procured the A.lntron 0.. the hospital and another witness, and recited tho wedding service. Roewas struggling with death hut managed to place the ring on Florence’s finger and then sank on the pillow, gasping’ “Aly wife at last!” He went to sleep with the girl’s hand in his. TTo woke an hour later, and looking towards Florence, said: “Goodbye, wife.” He then died. '

The minister snvs ho did it lo make the dying man happy, believing he had power to do so, or that it eouta be put right afterwards. Florence says she is quite satisfied. She is married although there is no certificate. When the lover first knew his spine was broken, he asked her to' Hinny lnmShe replied that she would be faiiblnl to him oven if he wore crippled for ]jf c A. and N.Z. Cable.