ROMANTIC AT 82.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17367, 31 March 1928, Page 14 (Supplement)

ROMANTIC AT 82.

SNOWDROPS IN SPRING, ARDENT WOOER BREAKS PROMISE. This is not a case of sentiment, but common sense.” The phrase was used by counsel for the defence in the course of a remarkable breach of promise case tried before Mr Justice Rigby Swift and a mixed .jury at Lancaster Assizes. Plaintiff, Miss Margaret Thomason, 55, a fancy goods dealer, of West End, Great Eccleston, Pylde. sought damages for-breach of promise from .Tames Robinson, who is 82, and, a retired stonemason, of Church Street, Silverdale. For plaintiff, Mr Jolly pointed out that at her age Miss Thomason found herself without her prospects being realised, through Robinson not honouring his promise. She was in a nervous state because of defendant's treatment. The promise was made to plaintiff in 1915, while she was on a visit to Silverdale, when defendant was 70. Although it was in no sense a case of love’s young dream, the letters in the case showed that Robinson was a sufficiently ardent wooer to his suit with a good deal of fervour. In 1926 he cooled off, and refused to carry out the engagement. Mr Goldie, defending: “We are still willing to carry out the contract.” Mr Jolly: “So are we.” llis Lordship: “Had we not better adjourn and sit in another building which is just outside (the parish church)?” Mr .Jolly: “Although both parties are agreed the only question causing the deadlock seems to be that of defendant's means.” Continuing, he mentioned that defendant purchased an engagement ring on November 22, 1915, at Cam forth, and plaintiff returned home engaged. Defendant told her he was worth £30,000, having land in Alberta, Canada, War Bonds, and property at Silverdale, Including a bungalow. A peculiar feature was that he could not write, and a Silverdale friend, Mrs Fleming, wrote letters for him and enclosed them to Miss Thomason.

“It is getting more romantic,” commented the judge, amid laughter. Mr Jolly went on to mention that plaintiff received a lock of defendant's hair, and he gave her snowdrops in the spring and roses in the summer. Robinson told her he had made his will, and left her equal shares with bis daughter, so that if he died before marriage she Would be provided for.

Evidence was given by .Miss Thoma son. who explained that defendant was young-looking for his years and an ardent lover. He never came emptyhanded, always having eatables or Jlowers. They went to church on Sundays when she was at Silverdale. She believed lie was a good Christian, and had faith in him.

The ring was produced to His Lordship, who observed: “Diamonds and rubies?” Plaintiff: “Yes." Miss Thomason also mentioned the gift of a miniature containing the Lord’s Prayer. Mr Goldie, cross-examining: “When has defendant refused to marry you?" Plaintiff: "He has not absolutely refused, but he has had long enough time to be shaping.” Mr Goldie: “Did you propose to him?” “He told me he would marry me. Ladies have to‘shake men up sometimes, when they are so slow.” Plaintiff added that she had more pluck now than when her nerves were upset, or she would have been in her coffin. Mr Goldie declared that the only reason Robinson had not carried out his promise was because he had not sold his land in Canada, worth £3OOO or £4OOO.

James Robinson, a fresh-coloured man, who would pass for 70, not 82, admitted he had land in Canada for which he was asking £4OOO. If there had been a quick sale there would have been a quick marriage. He was'b'ving with his daughter, and his property included a bungalow worth £4OOO. Mr Goldie: “Would you marry her to-morrow if you could afford to keep a wife?”

“Yes, happen before to-night.”

Answering His Lordship, witness mentioned that he previously altered his will to give Miss Thomason an equal share with his daughter, hut had made another will in which he had left her nothing.

The jury found for Miss Thomason, assessing damages at £SO.