SHORT HONEYMOON

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21156, 4 July 1940, Page 6

SHORT HONEYMOON

SOLDIER’S ROMANCE MARRIED ON LEAVE MET GIRL IN PERTH News of the romance of their son. Private Wilbur Clifford Welch, aged 21, was recently received by his parents, Mr and Mrs H. W<elch, of Grey Street, Hamilton. While on short leave at Perth he met a pretty girl, Miss Mary Kathleen Mack, at the Church of England refreshment rooms and married her before leaving for England. Private Welch, who is a wellknown racing cyclist, left New Zealand with the second echelon. It. was while he was in the refreshment rooms, where he and other New Zealanders were being entertained, that he was told that the departure of his boat had been postponed. The information proved to be incorrect, and he missed the boat. In the meantime he had been taken to the girl’s home and had become engaged to her. He consulted the Dean of the local cathedral, who undertook to see that Welch could join another transport. Obtaining a special licenes, he was married by the Dean in the local cathedral. The following day the bridegroom left on a transport for England. His wife, who is a typist in Perth, remained at home.