CANDIDATES FOR MARRIAGE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 417, 15 September 1869, Page 3

CANDIDATES FOR MARRIAGE.

At the Sheffield Town Hall recently, three young men, named respectively George Herd, silversmith ; Joseph Fidler, silversmith ; and Arthur Harrop, were charged by* John William Lambert, auger filer, St Mary's road, Shefileld, for " that they did unlawfully, maliciously, and knowingly, with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, caused to be inserted in a certain public newspaper, called the Sheffield Independent, a certain false, scandalous, and defamatory statement of libel of and concerning one John Wilmer Lambert, and against the peace of our Lady the Queen." The libel thus described wa3 as follows : — "To Single Young Women. — A young man wishes to meet -with a partner for life. Any young lady feeling disposed, apply by letter, William Lambert, < auger filer, St Mary's Road, Sheffield." The following are some of the answers from the fair one 3of Sheffield :— "April 5, 1869.— Sir,— seeing Advertisement in the Independent that you are in Wants a partner for life so i offer myself as a Caudate. But Bef oare there is much More caress condenc I should like an intearew with yon Notes the adress ..." A more dignified lady says : — " Wilmer Lambert : The undersigned quite feel disposed as you call it. lam considered by my friends good-looking, and they think I shall make a good wife. lam the age 22 and dark. If W. L. answers this pleas to send carte de visite. Address by letter." The next is anxious to make a match if not to find a husband for herself. " Sir, — I with pleasure saw it advertised in the Independent to-day, you was in wants of a partner, and would be obliged if you will sept Miss A. M. A. , tall dark hair, dark eyes, and what the world calls good-looking (age 23), or my sister who is (24) goodlooking. A widdow, no children. A fortune at her own disposal willed to her by her late husband, Mr R , or if would Prefer a light young lady my friend Miss C. M. C who is at present residing at Sheffield, but is scotch, light hair, blue eyes, and affectionate, will accept you please to answer in Tuesday Independent and you shall hear further from me — Please not delay, as I shall be ancouse to know which you prefer." A fifth is affectionate, but cautious : — v M dear fren Iv Scan in to Day Nuse Paper you Wanting A wife I shall be glad for a good husborn But I should Be very Glad to now you age firs 2 I should like to know Whether you are Good temper. My age is 24 years and a little Incom for Life and if you are Really in Wants of A Wife I should be happy to seay you after you Have Sent you Likness and then I trill meat you at my sisters and then We Will talk the Matter Over. Short aquantress Som times makes Long Repentne (Resentence) But I would Mak you Comfortable Wile i Liv and A Little After I am Dead Weakly Incom P.S.

Excuse my Riting PS Anseer by Next Post." Other letters are from a " a publican's daughter, 23 years of age, and as no objection to be a Partner if bouth sides sues tgether ;" and several which bear the appearance of having been written for the purpose of a hoax. The defendants apologised, and had to pay costs, 30s.